Twisted Ties of Love

Chapter 1 

Izabella Salotti was puzzled It was just picking up a medical report. Was it necessary to have someone accompany her? 

Furthermore, what family did she have left? Her mother had tragically passed away during childbirth, and her father regarded her as nothing more than a means to generate wealth. Her brother, consumed by resentment, blamed her for their mother’s death and harbored a deep hatred towards her. And as for her love he had been taken away by someone else. If it hadn’t been for this doctor mentioning the word “Tamily,” she might have forgotten its true meaning altogether 

After a moment, Izabella shook her head and said, “Just me” 

The doctor frowned and adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose. With a heavy sigh, he handed a stack of lab results to Izabella. 

“Ms. Salotti, I have the test results here. I’m afraid to inform you that you have reached the advanced stage of stomach cancer, the doctor delivered the news with a compassionate tone, showing sympathy towards the young woman faced with such a grave illness. Sensing the gravity of the situation, he handled it delicately. 

Izabella gasped as she received the results, her brow furrowing as she examined the various indicators Although lacking a medical background, she could discern the severity of her 

condition 

During the gastroscopy procedure, she had sensed that something was amiss, but she had been too afraid to dwell on it. 

As the doctor explained the results to her, Izabella only half–listened. She understood that time was running out and that she needed to start chemotherapy as soon as possible How long could someone with late–stage stomach cancer live? Izabella knew better than anyone else, as her grandfather had struggled with the disease for two years. 

The doctor kindly suggested, “Ms. Salotti, it’s best to be hospitalized as soon as possible for treatment.” 

“Will it work if I get hospitalized?” Izabella asked in a hoarse voice, seemingly talking to herself. 

The doctor didn’t answer, only shaking his head in helplessness 

Izabella made the decision to forgo treatment. She hurriedly tucked the diagnosis papers into her purse and expressed gratitude to the doctor before departing from the room. 

As she stepped out of the hospital, rain began to fall. The fine droplets mingled with the chilly wind, piercing her face like sharp knives. Retrieving an umbrella from her bag, she attempted to shield herself, but it proved inadequate in sheltering her from the biting cold. 

March’s temperatures werent that bad, but Izabella’s coldness came from within. Her fingers turned red and stiff as she held her umbrella. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t 

warm up 

Lost in contemplation, Izabella strolled along, absentmindedly twirling the ring on her finger while fixating her gaze on the somber, overcast sky Spring had suddenly arrived, a time of rejuvenation and new beginnings. However, for her, this spring would bring the harrowing reality of death. 

Hailing a cab, Izabella folded her umbrella and climbed inside. The driver inquired about her destination. 

“Quiet Forest Estates,” she responded quietly. 

As they embarked on the journey, Izabella couldn’t resist the urge to review her diagnosis papers once more. The disturbing images of her disfigured and afflicted stomach seemed surreal, yet their presence served as a constant reminder of the challenges she faced 

Her stomach cancer was caused by hunger. For the four years she was married to Brett Windham, she tried everything to please him, cooking his favorite dishes to win his heart. But he never wanted to share a meal with her. Instead of waiting for him, she had waited for stomach cancer 

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she inhaled deeply. She had always believed she had the strength to confront any challenge. 

However, today, her mask of resilience shattered. She huddled into a ball, her stomach convulsing, and she trembled and whimpered, overwhelmed by pain. 

The driver noticed her sobbing in the rearview mirror He’d never seen someone cry so helplessly. 

Miss, what’s wrong? Heartbreak? Job troubles?” When she didn’t answer, he continued, “Nothing lasts forever. Cheer up Crying won’t solve anything. Rest well tonight, and tomorrows a new day” 

“Thank you,” she murmured, surprised that a stranger had comforted her when she needed it. 

With a smile on his face, the driver arrived at Quiet Forest Estates. After paying the $28 fare. Izabella stepped out of the cab and discarded the torn–up diagnosis. 

Despite a chilling gust of wind brushing against her face, Izabella wiped away her tears and regained her composure. The mature woman reemerged, her eyes bloodshot and puffy, her complexion pale