Unexpected Co-star

Part 39

The sun was warm on my skin as Hugh and I strolled through the local farmer's market. It was one of those perfect days—where everything felt vibrant and alive, almost like the world was smiling with us. Hugh had his arm slung casually over my shoulders, his other hand carrying a basket of fresh fruits and flowers that he'd insisted on buying.

"Do we really need all of these?" I teased, pointing at the overflowing basket. "We're only here for a few more days."

Hugh chuckled, nudging me playfully. "You can never have too many mangoes. And besides, I couldn't say no to the flowers. They reminded me of you."

I felt a warmth spread through my chest at his words. The easy affection between us had grown stronger in the past few months. There was a sense of belonging that I'd never quite felt before, and I clung to it, knowing it wouldn't last forever. But I couldn't tell him—not yet. Not here.

We wandered through the market, pausing to admire the handmade crafts and sample fresh pastries. Hugh was in his element, laughing with the vendors, pulling me close to steal quick kisses, his energy infectious. I wanted to stay in this moment forever, wrapped in the warmth of his love, but the weight of my secret lingered in the back of my mind, darkening the edges of my joy.

By late afternoon, we had returned to the house, our bags full of everything from artisanal bread to jars of honey. Hugh's hand never left mine as we walked down the path to the beach. The sky had begun to turn shades of pink and orange, reflecting off the water like a dream.

"Come on, let's go for a swim," Hugh suggested, dropping the bags by the porch. He peeled off his shirt, revealing the strong lines of his back, and gave me that mischievous grin I loved so much. "Last one in is a rotten mango!"

Before I could respond, he sprinted toward the water, and I laughed, chasing after him as best I could. The sand felt soft beneath my feet, the ocean breeze cool against my skin.

We splashed into the surf together, the cool water swirling around us as the waves rolled in. Hugh pulled me close, his hands resting at my waist, his lips brushing lightly against mine. The world seemed to fade away in that moment—just him, the ocean, and the sound of our laughter.

For a long time, we floated there, our bodies moving gently with the rhythm of the sea. The sky above us was painted with the last hues of sunset, stars just beginning to peek through.

But as much as I wanted to stay in this perfect moment, I knew I couldn't wait any longer. My heart raced as I pulled away from him slightly, looking into his eyes. He smiled, his gaze soft, full of love, unaware of the storm about to crash into our world.

"Hugh," I began, my voice trembling, "there's something I need to tell you."

He frowned, his hand brushing a wet strand of hair from my face. "What is it? You're scaring me, Em."

I swallowed, my throat tightening as I tried to find the right words. The ocean waves crashed softly against us, as if urging me to speak, to finally say what I had been holding inside for weeks.

"I've been feeling off for a while," I continued, my eyes filling with tears despite my efforts to stay strong. "I went to the doctor, and—"

Hugh's eyes darkened with concern, his grip tightening on my waist. "Emerson, what is it?"

I took a deep breath, my heart aching as I looked into his eyes, knowing that this would break him. I had no choice now. I had to tell him.

"I have stage 4 cancer."

The words fell from my lips, hanging in the air between us as the waves lapped at our ankles. Hugh's face went pale, his eyes widening as the reality of what I'd just said sank in.

And just like that, everything changed.