Chapter 5

Emma and I set our wedding date for the third of next month.

It was to be a simple ceremony.

I never told Emma about my illness.

Terminal stage, basically incurable.

I also never told Emma that I had no intention of marrying her.

I could accept everything about Emma.

Except for betrayal.

The thought of her nestling in another man's arms, kissing his face, searching for traces of my younger self in him, made my stomach churn.

It was sickening.

I've been with Emma since I was eighteen, a full ten years now.

The doctors say I have about six months left to live.

By that calculation, I've wasted nearly half my life on her.

For the little time I have left,

I just want to be James Harper.

I've booked a flight out of the country. While I still have the strength, I want to see the world I've always loved but never had the chance to explore.

And the flight is scheduled for the third of next month.