Chapter 1

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?"

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1

"Congratulations on becoming the new director, Dr. Kerpan. Since you're so happy, why don't you two get married to celebrate?" I said with a smirk, tossing the research director's ID badge onto Emily.

Seeing my actions, James flew into a rage. "Cora, what nonsense are you spouting?"

"Can't you tell, CEO Myerson? I'm stepping down."

I stared coldly at the two of them, my heart bleeding inside.

I never imagined that as soon as the breakthrough drug was successfully developed, I'd be kicked to the curb - and by my own husband, no less!

"Cora, today is the company's celebration party. You'd better not cause any trouble!" James warned me, his face stern.

I couldn't help but chuckle. So, he did remember that today was the company's celebration party.

But wasn't this celebration for the cancer drug I had slaved over for eight years, working day and night?

And what was he doing?

He was letting Emily take my position!

He was handing over the fruits of my hard work to his first love!

Seeing the awkward situation, my colleagues began to step in, trying to smooth things over.For eight years, I led a team in the lab, researching medications. My dedication and hard work were evident to everyone.

But James was the company president, and crossing him would have obvious consequences.

I couldn't care less. After downing the celebratory drink, I turned and left.

Walking on the street, I felt increasingly desolate.

All these years, to support James's dream, we'd kept our marriage a secret.

According to James, it was to avoid office gossip that might affect our research progress. But now it seemed...

I smiled bitterly.

Disheartened, I walked through the night, when suddenly my stomach condition flared up.

To develop anti-stomach cancer drugs, I'd worked irregular hours and eaten poorly for eight years, resulting in severe gastritis.

I collapsed in pain by the roadside, my mind drifting to the past.

Back then, James and I were both med school students. I was older.

I was in my second year of grad school, he was a junior.

We met at a medical debate. He was captivated by how I dominated the competition and began pursuing me relentlessly.

Dinners, movies, and eventually, I accepted his affections.Initially, my research focus was on eye diseases and visual problems. However, after James's mother passed away from stomach cancer, I shifted my research direction.

At that time, James held me, crying helplessly like a child, "Why does stomach cancer exist in this world? Cora, if only there was a miracle drug to treat stomach cancer..."

Because of his words, I changed my research focus.

I love him, so I want to fulfill all his wishes.

I also want all stomach cancer patients to regain their health.

For this wish, I worked tirelessly, giving my all.

But in the end......

The beeping of a car horn interrupted my thoughts. I looked up to see a car stopping in front of me.