Reclaiming the CEO's Heart novel Chapter 1

Chapter 1 Divorce 

On the day Avery Adams was diagnosed with stomach cancer, Jacob Hill was accompanying his first love to have a check-up for their son at the hospital. 

In the hospital corridor, Nicholas Lewis held the biopsy report with a serious expression. "Avy, the test results are out. It's a stage 3A malignant tumor. If the surgery is successful, the five-year survival rate is between fifteen to thirty percent." 

Avery tightly held onto the shoulder strap of her bag with her delicate fingers, her pale face showing a solemn expression. "Nic, how long can I live if I don't have the surgery?" 

"Half a year to a year, it varies from person to person. In your case, it's better to undergo two rounds of chemotherapy before the surgery to prevent the risk of the infiltration, spread, and metastasis of the cancer cells." 

Avery bit her lip and said with difficulty, "Thank you." 

"Why are you thanking me? I'll arrange for your admission right away." 

"No need, I don't plan to get treatment. I can't endure it." 

Nicholas had wanted to say more when Avery respectfully bowed to him. "Nic, please keep this a secret for me. I don't want to worry my family." 

With the Adams family's bankruptcy, Avery was already struggling to bear the high medical expenses for her father, Martin Adams. Informing her family about her illness would only add insult to injury. 

Nicholas sighed helplessly. "Don't worry. I'll keep it to myself. I heard you got married, and your husband..." 

"Nic, please take care of my father. I have something to take care of, so I have to go." 

Avery seemed reluctant to mention this topic and left quickly before he could respond. 

Nicholas shook his head. It was rumored that she had dropped out of college to get married. The former genius of their medical school gave up her talent and chose to start a family. 

For the past two years during her father treatment, he had only seen Avery here to take care of her father. Even when she fell ill, she was brought to the hospital by a passerby and Nicholas had never seen her husband. 

Avery recalled the past. In the first year of their marriage, Jacob had truly treated her nicely, but everything changed when his first love returned to the country with a pregnant belly. At that time, she was also pregnant and fell into the water together with his first love. 

While struggling, she saw him desperately swim towards Layla White. Both Layla and her were frightened and gave birth prematurely. She was rescued too late, which delayed the best time for treatment. By the time she arrived at the hospital, the baby had already died in her womb. 

On the seventh day after the child's death, Jacob proposed a divorce, but she never agreed. 

Now that she knew she had cancer, Avery could no longer hold on. 

With trembling hands, she dialed his number. After three rings, his magnetic and cold voice came through, "I won't see you unless it's about the divorce." 

Avery felt a lump down her throat and tears welled up in her eyes. She forcefully swallowed the words she had prepared to tell him about her illness when Layla's voice suddenly interrupted the call. "Jacob, the baby is about to undergo a check-up." 

The tears that Avery had been holding back finally ran down her cheeks. Her child was gone, her family was ruined, and he had started a new family with someone else. It was time for everything to end. 

No longer speaking to him in a pleading and humble manner, Avery said in a low voice, "Jacob, let's get a divorce." 

Hearing that, Jacob was obviously stunned for a moment. Then he sneered. "Avery, what game are you playing now?" 

Avery closed her eyes and said word by word, "Jacob, I'll be waiting for you at home."