I stared at Ariana in shock. "Ariana, do you think marriage is a joke? If we divorce, I might as well disappear from this world."
Ariana's anger flared up. "Always threatening to disappear—are you trying to blackmail me? Arthur Stewart, can you please get a grip? Marvin's dying, and you can't muster a bit of sympathy?"
Ariana rarely uses my full name, but this time, she was genuinely furious.
Trying to keep my own emotions in check, I asked her, "If you're only having a wedding with Marvin and not actually getting a marriage license, then why are we going through a fake divorce?"
Ariana sighed, her tone softening slightly, "I don't want Marvin to be labeled as a third wheel in our marriage."
Then, her voice hardened again. "Today is Sunday. By Monday, we need to finalize the divorce. Marvin doesn't have much time left."
Before I could say another word, Ariana hung up the phone.
2
The moment the call ended, the skies opened up, unleashing a torrential downpour.
I stared at the wilted roses and the lopsided cake in my hands, unable to suppress a bitter chuckle.
"Guess I'm the one running out of time here."
Ariana had no idea that I was clinging to this strange world for her sake.