Chapter 2

I’ll never forget that date.

That day, I called him over and over.

Just wanted to tell him how shattered I was.

How badly I needed him there.

Even just one hug.

What I got instead was a cold text.

“Clara, I’m sorry. The company’s at a critical stage right now. I really can’t get away.”

“Don’t worry. Once things calm down, I’ll make time to visit your mom’s grave.”

So he wasn’t too busy.

He was busy marrying someone else.

“Doctor? Dr. Reed?”

Tiffany’s voice pulled me out of it.

She stood up and gave me an awkward smile.

“So... should I go home and get the file?”

I stood too.

“I’ll come with you.”

She blinked. “Wouldn’t that be too much trouble?”

“Not at all. The sooner we do the surgery, the better. Delaying it won’t be good for your health.”

We went downstairs together and got into her car.

It was a custom-modified Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

Luxury everywhere, but with soft, girly touches in every detail.

On the drive, she just kept talking.

She told me about the Caribbean islands they’d visited, the Michelin-starred restaurants they’d gone to, and the first night they crossed the line...

Her smile was sweet.

And unbearable.

I stared out the window as the city blurred by, thinking about the future Ethan and I used to plan together.

Then the car stopped in front of a luxury high-rise.

Sutton Tower.

One of the most exclusive buildings in New York.

We used to say that after we got married, we’d buy the penthouse there.

Turns out, before I ever got a wedding, someone else became the lady of the house.

The second I stepped inside the apartment, I froze.

The interior layout.

The design style.

Every single detail.

It was exactly like the floor plans I had once sent Ethan.