Chapter 3

On the third day of my hospital stay, Chloe showed up.

She stood in the doorway holding a massive bouquet of white lilies, looking so frail a breeze might snap her in half.

"Claire, I came to see how you were doing."

I frowned. "Don't use my first name like we're friends."

Tears instantly welled in her eyes as she set the flowers on my nightstand.

The scent of lilies was overwhelmingly strong. A wave of nausea hit me.

"Get that out of here."

Chloe blinked in shock.

I looked straight at her. "I just survived an acute allergic reaction. Bringing heavily scented flowers into my room—are you visiting, or trying to finish the job?"

Flustered, she snatched the bouquet back, water droplets splashing onto my bedsheets. She looked as though she had been brutally wronged.

Pity there was no audience around to admire her performance.

"Say what you came to say."

She stood at the foot of the bed, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"About that night... I swear I didn't know it would turn out like that."

"When Julian handed me the EpiPen, I was terrified."

"I was drifting in and out of consciousness. I had no idea it was your emergency shot."

I laughed softly. "Are you here to apologize, or to brag about how much he prioritizes you?"

She bit her lip. "I know you hate me, but Julian and I aren't what you think."

"If I hadn't saved his life years ago, he wouldn't even be here today."

"He only takes care of me out of guilt."

"How old were you when you saved him?" I asked smoothly.

"Sixteen."

"Which river?"

"The Riverdale Bridge canal."

"What month?"

She hesitated. "Winter."

I nodded slowly. "An icy canal in the dead of winter. You stayed in the freezing water for half an hour, which ruined your heart health forever. Julian has told me that story many times."

Chloe cast her eyes down. "It’s not just a story."

"Of course not," I replied, holding her gaze. "So you definitely remember that when Julian was sixteen, the Riverdale Bridge canal was drained and closed for maintenance the entire year."

Her face drained of color.

In a flash, she recovered her fragile mask. "Claire... are you confused from your medication?"

"Maybe," I smiled faintly. "Don't worry. Once I'm discharged, I'll clear it all up."

A flicker of genuine panic flashed across her eyes.

That evening, my phone rang. It was Julian.

The second I picked up, his furious voice exploded through the speaker:

"Claire! What did you say to Chloe now?"

Now.

What a telling word. As if I spent my days actively bullying her.

I had no doubt Chloe had run to him with some twisted sob story.

Before I could utter a syllable, Julian cut in harshly:

"Her health is fragile, and she went out of her way to visit you out of guilt! Did you really have to be so cruel?"

"At the end of the day, you're still obsessing over that damn EpiPen at the gala!"

"I personally reviewed the catering! There were zero peanuts in any of the food. How could you have had an allergic reaction?"

"I know you've always been jealous of Chloe, but faking a medical emergency to get attention? That's low, Claire!"

Hearing those words, my heart didn't even throb.

When disappointment reaches rock bottom, the numbness takes over.

I didn't argue.

Julian paused, breathing heavily. "Why aren't you saying anything?"

I let out a breath that sounded like a chuckle. "I have nothing to say to you. My lawyer sent over the divorce agreement. Just sign it."

I hung up before he could respond.