4#04

4

I couldn't believe Wanda would have the nerve to make such a bold request.

She not only wanted to wed Luigi, but also expected our children and grandchildren to adopt his last name, leaving me feeling abandoned and alone.

My hands trembled as I called her, barely containing my anger as I said, "Wanda Larson, have you considered the implications of your request?"

"After so many years together, is there no affection left between us? Do you need to push me to the brink to feel content?"

Her response was unexpectedly composed, as if she had foreseen my outburst. "Ethan, I'm not ordering you to do anything. I'm simply proposing an idea. Before you get upset, perhaps you should consult our sons. They're grown men now, capable of making their own decisions. Don't you think you've influenced them enough over the years?"

I lost my composure. "I don't need to ask them anything. And I absolutely refuse to agree to this!"

"The Mitchell family legacy flows through our children's veins. It's their birthright, their inheritance!"

"They'll become Collinses over my lifeless body!"

I hung up abruptly, cutting off any chance for her to reply.

She persistently tried to call back, unwilling to give up. Only after I blocked her number did the house finally fall quiet.

I gazed at the emptiness surrounding me, feeling more isolated than ever before.

The following day, I began removing all traces of Wanda from the house. Once her belongings were gone, the atmosphere felt less oppressive.

I remained awake all night, my mind racing until a sense of clarity gradually emerged.

One cannot exist solely for love, particularly not for someone who no longer reciprocates those feelings.

I reminded myself that at sixty-three, I was still young enough to begin anew. I decided to live each day to the fullest and treat myself with kindness.

Without hesitation, I enrolled in a senior travel group. The destination was the Great Northwind.

The Silkrana Road and the expansive Loessara Plateau had fascinated me since my youth. However, whenever I mentioned the idea in the past, Wanda dismissed it. She had no interest in desolate landscapes, especially deserts.

Now, with her absence, I could finally embark on this journey alone.

Just as I was preparing to depart on this long-anticipated trip, my phone rang. Lucas's voice came through the speaker.

He spoke with a quivering voice, "Dad, Mom is in the hospital!"

"Dad, Mom's in the hospital! She's been diagnosed with late-stage stomach cancer. The doctors say she might only have two weeks left. Please hurry!"

For days, I had convinced myself that I had moved on. However, upon hearing the news about Wanda Larson, I felt a wave of helplessness wash over me.

Without hesitation, I canceled my trip and booked the earliest flight to Estoria.

When I rushed into the hospital room, the sight before me stopped me in my tracks.

Luigi lay on the hospital bed, connected to an oxygen tube.

Wanda stood beside our son and grandsons, their faces drawn and weary from exhaustion.

Realizing I had been misled, anger surged within me. I turned to leave, but Wanda blocked my path. "Ethan, please hear me out first."

"It's not me who's dying. It's Luigi."

"I asked Lucas to deceive you. I knew you wouldn't come otherwise."

I glared at her coldly: "Wanda Larson, we are no longer married!"

"What do you want from me? Can't you just let me move on?"

Tears streamed down her face. "Ethan, throughout our marriage, I never pleaded with you for anything. This is the first and last time I'll ask."

"He doesn't have much time left. The doctor says it could happen any day now."

"Ethan, I'm begging you. I'll even get on my knees."

"Just promise me you'll allow our son and grandsons to change their last names!"