ManyWriters

I led the team for eight years, finally developing a groundbreaking drug for stomach cancer.
On the day of the celebration banquet, I had planned to reveal my secret marriage to CEO husband James.
Instead, he showed up all smiles with his first love on his arm, both dressed to the nines.
"Let me introduce everyone. This is Emily, a newly returned medical doctor who will be serving as the director of our pharmaceutical research institute. Please give her a warm welcome."
After the thunderous applause, Emily took James's hand, her face full of tenderness: "James, I can finally be by your side again."
James smiled gently at her words: "Thank you for coming."
Their hands remained clasped, as the crowd laughed and cheered them on.
Watching the sweet couple, I walked straight onto the stage and threw the research director's ID badge at Emily.
"Congratulations, Dr. Kerpan, on becoming the new director. Since you're so happy, why don't you two get married to celebrate?"

Selling Cancer Drug to Husband's Rival Company

James was driving, with Emily sitting in the passenger seat.


"Cora, why are you walking alone out here?"


"Where are you headed? Why don't you join us?"


Emily's tone was friendly, but her eyes couldn't hide a challenging look.


My stomach pain was intense, and I didn't want to argue.


But my silence seemed to offend James, as if I was insulting Emily.


"Cora, what's your problem? You've been acting weird since the party started. Emily is a medical doctor who just returned from studying abroad. Is this how you treat guests?"


"I know I didn't tell you in advance about stepping down as research director, but there's a reason for that. I'll explain when we get back!"


"James, don't be angry. I'm sure Cora doesn't mean any harm. She's probably just unhappy seeing us together. Maybe I should leave."


Sweat beaded on my forehead as my hand clutching my stomach gradually weakened. I didn't want to listen to them at all; I just wanted to get to the hospital as soon as possible.


Just as I was about to speak, Emily's phone rang, interrupting me.


"Is it serious? Okay, I'm coming right away."Emily hung up the phone and looked anxiously at James. "James, Mimi isn't feeling well. Can you take me home first?"


"Alright," James replied, without so much as a glance in my direction. The sound of the engine roared to life, and they drove away.


I watched in the direction of the departing car, closing my eyes in despair.


After a long moment, I took out my phone and dialed the number for the National Research Institute.


"Dean Gevano, I've made up my mind. I'll report for duty next month."


Years ago, when I was pursuing my doctorate, my advisor had recommended me to the National Research Institute, but I had declined his kindness for James's sake.


Later, while researching gastric cancer drugs at James's company, I had also worked on medications to alleviate its side effects.


At that time, Dean Gevano from the institute had taken notice of my work and tried several times to recruit me.


Even though the offer was tempting and I was eager to spread my wings, I had always held back for James's sake.


I had poured everything into his dream, only to end up with this outcome!


Now, there was nothing left here worth staying for.


With this thought, I dialed a second number.


"Mr."Stratton, I've got a patent to sell you!"


After getting an IV at the hospital, I sat in the hallway with my imaging report, unable to hold back a bitter laugh.


Desperately researching anti-gastric cancer drugs, only to end up with stomach cancer myself!


The moment I saw the report, I collapsed into a chair at the hospital.


Just then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw James hurrying over, supporting Emily.


Fighting through the pain, I said coldly, "My stomach was feeling a bit off, so I came to get some medicine. What are you two doing here?"


James furrowed his brow, glancing at Emily, and casually explained, "Emily and I got caught up in a multi-car pileup on our way back. Emily got a bit banged up."


Chapter 2