No More Than 3 Months

: Prologue

I had been Caden Rhodes's secretary for seven years. After we were intimate, he tossed a check at me. "I'm tired of you."

I curved my lips into a teasing smile. "I've only got three months to live. Can't you wait just a little longer?"

He frowned. "Aria Lowell, you're not one to be tactless."

My smile froze. 'He didn't know. I never joke.'

Later, he panicked. But by then, it was too late.

1

I was Caden Rhodes's secretary.

Seven years ago, when I was new to the professional world, a twist of fate led to a drunken night together.

Three days later, Caden Rhodes sought me out. He offered me a position as his secretary and, at the same time, his woman, promising he would make it worth my while.

Naturally, I refused.

If I had it my way, the matter would never be brought up again, and no third person would ever find out about it.

Caden Rhodes said nothing in response. He just nodded, left me his business card, and then left.

Sometime after that, both of my parents were suddenly diagnosed with cancer, one right after the other.

The treatment for cancer was incredibly expensive.

Almost simultaneously, they both offered to forgo treatment so the family could pool all its resources to save the other...

After agonizing for several days, I finally pulled out that business card and called Caden Rhodes.

Without a moment's hesitation, Caden Rhodes named a figure I couldn't possibly refuse.

I was silent for a moment, but in the end, I accepted his offer...

However, money can't reverse the course of death.

Even though I had gotten them the best doctors and the best medicine, my parents ultimately lost their battle with cancer.

My dad passed away six months after his diagnosis.

My mom held on for two years.

On the day of my mother's funeral, Caden Rhodes specifically cleared his schedule to accompany me.

We stood together in the cemetery under a single black umbrella, facing my parents' shared grave. The headstone was streaked with rain.

That day, I lost the last family member I had in the world.

And all I had left was a "boss," connected to me only by a relationship that reeked of money.