Shane

I open the door to see Emily sitting on the couch waiting for me. I don't know why she waits for me when she knows nothing will change between us even though we are married."Shane, You are home. I was waiting for you."

"It's not like it was for the first time. Then get used to it."
She was already in her nightgown trying to seduce me. It was after a week I returned to this house. I would not call this place home now. Home is where Skyler is. I shifted from that place last year and moved in with Emily.

I hate this. She came in close and places her hand on my chest and then places her head on my chest pulling me into a hug."Why don't you understand I love you, Shane. You don't come home for weeks and don't pick up my calls and ignore my message. I have to call your parents and Tyler to know where you are? This your home too. I get worried for you."

She doesn't get the hint even after it's been a year. I have been doing this purposely. Ignoring her. Inside the house, I stay away from her as possible. I don't even like to see her face but at events in front of the media, we pretend to be the couple when it all fake. I was so disgusted by her that I couldn't even fake my feelings in front of everyone so I stopped going to functions and events and if I do I go alone myself.

"It's because I don't want to talk to you and you call this a home. I don't think so. Home is where your loved ones are and I don't think I married you because I love you and I will never. You know what It was a mistake." I storm off from the house again. This was not the first time when I stormed off like that. I can't bear her for a second. I couldn't bear this anymore and I knew where to go. I drove to the bar and drank all my sorrows away. We would have been married by now if it wasn't for me.

There was a time when I couldn't stay the night away from you on the night before our wedding and now I am away from you and you hate me so much that you don't want to see my face. I miss you so much.

I was drinking a few drinks. I look inside my suit pocket. I take out my ring and look at it with tears in my eyes. What happened Skyler? I know it's my fault. It was me who pushed you away but I had no choice. I had to do it.

I don't know for what sins I am paying that our fates were written separated from each other. I am so sorry Skyler. Forever does exist maybe not together but I will always love you forever. Maybe in another life, we will get our forever together.

Flashback

"You know you could have just called." She laughs through the phone. I know I could have just called but there was something fun about sending letters.

"A letter seemed romantic to me."
I was smiling and I knew she was blushing. The reason why I wrote a letter. "From tomorrow no one can stop me from seeing you. I will always be beside you." I was missing her badly. Tyler and the guys were saying I was whipped but I ignored their discussion.

Less than twenty-four hours and she will be Skyler Smith. She will be my wife. Getting married was something I didn't imagine for me but now I wouldn't trade it.

"That's practically impossible you know. What if you had to go abroad for a business meeting?" She giggles.

"As my assistant and wife, you need to accompany me." She is coming with me everywhere and I am going everywhere she is going to be. There is no way I am leaving her side. She says."You should fire me for not working without informing."

I laugh at her statement knowing I barred her from work. I didn't want her to be stressed or tired from work. We kept talking to each other on the phone. I knew for sure I wouldn't be able to sleep even if I wanted to but she was tired and after some time when I didn't hear her talking. I knew she fell asleep and I hanged up.

I lay back on the bed thinking of tomorrow. I am getting married to Skyler and I would do anything to get rid of her cancer. I will give her everything she deserves and love her till my last breath.

Morning

I couldn't sleep last night and I expected that. Early morning I went on a walk to see everything was set up.

I loved the venue. We decided to get married outdoors because Skyler wanted it and it was only close friends and family. It was a small garden and on either side of the aisle was decorated with white roses and orchids. The chairs were set up and I was imagining myself in my tux waiting for her to come down. I was dying to see her in the wedding dress. I already know she will look stunning either way.

Everything was planned well in advance and I didn't want Skyler to take any type of stress. Everything was according to Skyler's choice but I didn't let her run for the preparations.

The doctor had advised me it's not good for her. I was so so happy. The only thing that mattered that I was getting married to Sky.

*****

I stood in front of the mirror wearing my wedding tux and there was something different about how I looked today. It was the happiness that was flashing on my face.

I took out the piece of paper and practiced the vows in front of the mirror is when I heard a knock. Tyler and Ethan...

I was a little disappointed when Bryon couldn't attend the wedding. I wanted him to be here. My only best friend and he wasn't present at my wedding. Tyler sighs and adjusts my tie. "We had lost all hopes of you getting married," Ethan says and I laugh. That is something I found shocking myself.

"You look great, Shane." Tyler looked at me and I hugged both of them. "I have a surprise for you." He said pulling back and his face glowed up and then he clapped his hands as his eyes shift to the door. Bryon...

I walk to him and I hugged him. I guess everything felt complete now. "I am glad you could make it."

"There is no way I was missing your wedding." He exclaimed. I feel a pat on my back as I look to see Tyler."It's time, Are you ready?"

"Since Forever." This is it. The moment I have been waiting for ages. The ceremony started and I was eagerly waiting for Skyler.

As soon as I heard the music change I knew she was coming. All my nervousness vanished into thin air when I saw Skyler walking down the aisle. I was so overwhelmed. As I said she looked stunning in her wedding dress. I couldn't get words out of my mouth. It was pure bliss.

I could feel my eyes watering and she smiled at me. When did I get so lucky? They stop and I could see Dad's worried face but Skyler smiled and Dad gave me her hand.

"You look perfect," I whispered in her ear and she blushes. We stood facing each other as the priest started with the ceremony.

She was smiling at me but I felt something was wrong and she takes deep breaths. Out of sudden, she grips my hand hard
"Sky, Are you..." For if she didn't hold me she would have fallen.

I was getting worried. Everyone's eyes were on us and she gives a small smile. She said looking at the priest."I am fine. Go on."

"Just hold my hand, Shane." She said as I pull her close to me as she held my hand tight. We cannot continue like this. Her health was more important. The wedding can wait."You don't seem fine."

"Is everything alright?" Mom asks worriedly but my eyes were on her. She was breathing heavily as if she couldn't breathe. I ran soothing words in her ear but it didn't help.

She held my hand tight and I rubbed her back. I yell. We have to rush to the hospital.
"Call the ambulance now."

"Shanee, I am fineee."

It was then she couldn't stand still and starts to cough out blood. I hold her supporting her as she coughed out blood. I rubbed her back as I held her.

Ahe lost balance and fainted in my arms. I rested her head on my lap sitting on the floor, her wedding dress full of blood. Fear swept over me when she wasn't responding to me. I was scared of what was going to happen. Everything was fine until now. "Sky, Open your eyes."

She slowly opened her eyes as she tried to speak. Her eyes were still half-closed. I tried hard not to break down in front of her. It will break her more to see me breaking down. I had to be strong.

I couldn't control them as I feel the tears running down my cheeks.
"I coulddn't do it. I ruineedd everythingg. I caan't take thiss painnn anymore. It's killing meee. I ammm goiing to dieeee." I held her hand as she tried to speak and coughs out more blood as it splattered on my tuxedo.

"Nothing is ruined. You are here, I am here. You are not going to die, Sky. Everything is going to be fine."
I tried calming her. I didn't know what to do. Fear took over me as I saw her suffering from pain. My heartbeat was increasing because I was scared.

She always had been strong but then today she was screaming in pain. Her face was getting paler with every passing minute. Her pink lips were turning white and her dark brown eyes which lit like bulbs were losing their light.

I could see she was losing hope and I was trying to say and give her false hopes but deep down I was unsure. I was crying. I couldnt stop them. She lifts her hand wiping my tears but the tears didn't seem to stop. Her eyes were way t closing. Even at this moment when she was suffering from the pain, she smiled as she said.
"Shanne, I lovvee yyouu..."

And then she closed her eyes. I called out for her but she had stopped responding. My hands were trembling as I tried to wake her up. Her breathing was getting shallower with passing time and I was losing hope. I had no words.

Everyone surrounded us but I could only see Skyler who was unconscious and wasn't responding to me. I was trembling with fear, the fear of losing Sky.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I call out for her. I choked on words as I tried speaking. The ambulance arrived soon after and laid her on the stretcher.

I was with her the entire time holding her hand. The others followed us by car.
"You have to stay strong, Skyler."

She had an oxygen mask covering her mouth and nose as she inhaled deeply. Her eyes were half-closed and she looked at me. I smiled to assure her everything gonna be fine. It had to.

They take her down and I ran all the way holding her hand tight not letting her go. The doctor blocked me and I screamed. "You have to let me in."

"Sir, you have to step aside and let us do our work." He said politely. I was no in my senses as I start yelling at him. I heard a faint voice calling out for me as she tugged my hand. "Shane..."

I pushed the doctor out of my way as I lowered down in my knees to hear her. "I will be fine. Stay here and wait for me." She tells me between deep breaths.

I kissed her hand and they take her away. Helpless I stood outside waiting for some good news.

'Everything is fine.'

'Everything is normal.'

'Nothing serious'

The others arrived soon and my focus was on the door of the room. Dad came close to me and I hugged him. I was all over the place. I didn't know what to think anymore.

"Don't worry Shane, Everything will be fine." Will it? The moment of doubt was still there and there was nothing that could have comforted me unless Skyler standing in front of me smiling. As soon as the doctor comes to us the look on his face was clearly saying that he didn't have good news.

I could feel my heartbeat increase and my palms were sweaty because I was scared. I feared losing her. Not having to see her again. Ty held me to support but I had to hear.

"Her condition is critical. We have to perform the surgery as soon as possible. Miss Emily is here to perform the surgery. She is the best in town." He sighed and I see Emily coming out of the room. I was never relieved to see her as I was today.

"I have already checked up on Skyler and there is not much time left. Can I talk to you for a moment Shane?" I followed her and we sat at her cabin. How could I have forgotten Emily? She was one of the best cancer specialists.

I take a seat as I wipe the tears off my face as I was a bit relieved that Emily is here because I knew she was one of the best doctors.
"Emily I am so relieved to see you here. I forgot about you. Can we complete all the formalities fast? I know you can save her."

She smirks."I will save her for sure but before that, I have to ask. Are you willing to do anything to save Skyler?" I would give my life for her if I had to. I was confused as to why she was asking me this.

"I would do anything to save her but I don't understand why you are asking me this?" Can we do all the chit-chat later? The love of my life is laying on a hospital bed in a cold operation theatre as her condition is critical and doesn't have much time and she is wasting her time.

"Careful with the words Shane. So I will explain it to you real fast."
She takes some papers from the top drawer as he held them in her hands.

"Please do because we don't have much time." I was wondering but she meant to say. There is no doubt I will do anything for her, I love her. By the wicked smile, Emily gave me I had a feeling something is going to go wrong, something bad is going to happen.

"Here, Read this." Emily handed me a piece of paper which looked like a contract and as soon as I read it I was shocked.

"I will never agree to this. That's ridiculous Emily. I didn't know you would be this selfish. How desperate can you be? How the hell did you file a contract so fast?" I was wrong when I thought I judged her. She was the same. The same Emily I hate with all my cells in the body.

"I knew her condition was worsening and I prepared the contract well in advance. I knew It would be of help." She laughs wickedly. The fuck. I didn't know she would stoop down to such levels. Then I was taken aback.

"What do you mean?" I was a bit confused. Skyler was fine and I made sure of that. Then she starts explaining

"After you proposed, she had an ache and it was frequent she even coughed out blood. She came for a check-up when you were in the office or busy with the wedding preparation. She knew it all along but she didn't want to worry you."

"How could you? You could have told me." I was startled at what Emily said. I feel so guilty. I didn't know that she was in pain for so long, if only I had known we wouldn't be here. My blood was boiling. I can't believe her. She had been suffering alone and I was busy preparing for a wedding. How selfish could I have been? I slammed my fists hard on the table.

"How could I have used her then? Remember what you said at the Gala. I will never marry you even if you are the last person on Earth.
Now see where we are? You said You would do anything for her."

I was raging. I feel like choking her to death. She wasn't the best person always but I didn't know she could be this evil."I thought of you as a friend yet now I know you are a total bitch. I don't need you I will find someone else. There are other doctors in New York."

"Call me whatever you want If only you understood what we had. Your choice Shane. Time is ticking. Sign in and Skyler will be saved I promise or lose her forever and regret you could have saved her signing the contract."

She made me think. Images of Skyler crying out screaming in pain flashed in front of my eye. My heart ached to see her suffering.

I imagined the images of seeing the lifeless body of Skyler. No...
I was helpless. I didn't know that Emily would stoop so low. I didn't know that she was this desperate to want me. Time was running out of hand. The doctor said her condition was critical and they had to operate on her as soon as they can.

I didn't have much time to think. Fuck, I don't need to think. If this means her getting saved I would do it. There are no second thoughts about this. I said earlier I would do anything to save her and so I did it for Skyler.

I took the piece of paper and signed it. I was frightened. I can't believe this was happening but as long as Skyler recovers all fine. That's all I want. I would protect her against the world if I have to.
"I see you are smart. I am glad you understood so fast." She had a huge smile on her face as she celebrated her victory.

"I am only doing this for Skyler."
I said coldly. I had never hated a person so much as I hated her now."Mind you, no one should know of this. You stick to your part of the deal and I will stick to my part of the deal." She stands up smiling coming to hug me and I pushed her away.

"I can't believe you."
I storm out of the room and I see Bryon standing outside. He grabbed my hand by my wrist and dragged me out of the hospital.

He heard our conversation. After we reached outside he made me sit in the car and I didn't ask or tell anything.

It was a lot to process and I didn't have the strength to fight back and argue. We drove back to my house. He closed the door behind me and started with the questions.
"What deal did you sign Shane?"

I take a deep sigh. He didn't hear the whole of it."Its nothing. Just the formalities of the hospital and the consent form." The look on his face said he didn't believe any of my words.

"Cut to the chase, Shane, I know you more than yourself. I want the truth." He raised his tone at me. I feel the anger rise within me. 
"You know what deal. That crazy bitch. She proposed me a deal that she will operate her only if I marry her."

He laughs it off probably thinking I wouldn't marry her in my wildest dreams. Everyone knew my hatred for her but Skyler's life was a question and I loved her.

"Classic Emily. What are you going to do now? We should not waste more time and look for some other doctor." He turns and opens the door waiting for me to come and then I say."There is no need Bryon. I agreed."

He was shocked to see I agreed to the deal. He had a bewildered look on his face as he walks up to me.
"What the fuck?Shane, I am sure there are more doctors in this city."

"I can't take that chance. It had to be done as soon as possible. As much as I hate Emily we all know she is the best.  I had to do it. Now drive me back to the hospital. I want to see Skyler."

I walk up to the door. I have to see her before she goes into surgery. I stopped in my tracks as Bryon said."Will you able to move on from her?"

Move on. No, never I can't. I don't know what will I do next but the thing which was more important to me was Skyler's recovery. We can think of everything else later.
"If it means that Skyler will be all fine and healthy. I will do anything even if I have to marry Emily, the girl whom I hate as much as I love Skyler and no I can't and won't move on from her. I will always love her even if she hates me."