Chapter 3

Thinking back on this, I lay down on the wedding dress on the bed.

Suddenly my body was wracked with intense pain, a bone-deep ache that made tears stream uncontrollably from my eyes.

I curled up on the wedding dress I had chosen so carefully, crying like an abandoned puppy.

The next day, I packed up my things and returned to the small home Lucas and I shared.

I sent Lucas a message: "Lucas, I think we need to talk."

Soon, Lucas' reply came through - a selfie of him with Chloe.

He was smiling like that fresh-faced college boy from years ago, his expression relaxed and carefree.

I knew this was Chloe's doing.

I called Mom next. She picked up, speaking in a low voice to brush me off: "Lucas is here keeping Chloe company. Her condition is much more stable now. Okay, I can't talk now, I need to bring Chloe some soup."

I tossed the phone aside and looked at the whimpering dog beside me.

It jumped onto my lap, sniffing me, then lay down on my legs. I wondered if dogs could smell sickness on people - it seemed dejected.

I patted its head: "Lucky, Mommy needs to take care of something. I'll come back for you."

I drove to the hospital.

Uncle Steve and Mom were lovingly watching over Chloe, peeling an apple for her. My brother and Lucas were by Chloe's bedside, helping her play a mobile game.

Fighting the discomfort in my body, I twisted the door open and walked in.

Chloe's face immediately darkened. She quickly clung to Lucas' arm and looked at me with red, tearful eyes: "Big sis, can you please let me have Lucas? Please?"

Lucas hurriedly stood up and brushed off her hand: "Lily, I was planning to come home soon."

Uncle Steve looked uncomfortable, but still forced a smile: "Lily, Chloe isn't well yet. Once she recovers, our whole family will attend your wedding."

At this point, Chloe seemed to be strongly triggered. She clutched her head and started screaming loudly.

My brother hugged her, patiently comforting her: "It's okay Chloe, don't be scared. Your brother is here, I'm right here with you."

Mom pushed me out the door: "Why did you come? Don't you know seeing you upsets her?"

I stared straight into Mom's eyes: "Mom, do you remember that I'm your real daughter?"

A flicker of hesitation passed through her eyes, then she coldly pushed me away: "Lily, don't be difficult. You were able to go to college and grad school - don't forget it was all paid for by your Uncle Steve. You should be grateful."

I desperately grabbed Mom's hand: "Mom, I can pay back all the money to Uncle Steve. Can you please..."

She closed the door without looking at me again.

I finished my sentence to the empty hallway: "Can you please... not treat me like this?"

Lucas pushed open the door and came out. There was guilt hidden in his eyes:

"Lily, there's nothing between me and Chloe. Her depression is very severe."

I looked at this man I had loved for seven years, since freshman year of college. I finally let out a long sigh:

"Lucas, that summer during our first year of grad school, when Chloe insisted on coming to our city for an internship - the pet camera at home recorded what you two did every day."

His face went pale. He gripped my sleeve tightly:

"Lily, I didn't do anything with her."

I nodded:

"That's right, you didn't do anything. You just played games together, watched shows together, walked my dog together. And when she trash-talked me, when she secretly kissed you while you were sleeping on the couch - you didn't push her away."

"Lily, we're about to get married."

"Lucas, we're not getting married anymore. I wanted to pretend I didn't know, but it seems even pretending can't cover up some facts. Chloe is indeed more likable than me. Everyone loves her. I can't keep up this act anymore. Just like how all these years she would constantly send you cute, flirty selfies. Even though you never replied, you were moved by them, weren't you?"

As I turned to leave, Lucas suddenly hugged me from behind: "Lily, I'll go home with you. We've been together for seven years, seven years..."

Just then, Chloe's face appeared in the window. She violently smashed her head against the wall.

There was a loud thud. Her forehead started bleeding. She glared at me viciously: "Lily, why do you have to fight me for everything?"

Lucas hesitated. He let go of my hand, his gaze evasive. He started to open the door to go back inside.

I knew in that moment our seven-year relationship was over.

The sounds of Mom and my brother's scolding voices filled my ears again. The filthiest insults, used in their angriest moments to curse me - the intruder.

My brother pinned me against the wall, glaring at me fiercely: "Lily, can't you just behave? Are you stupid? Do you have to turn the whole family upside down?"

I said to my brother and Mom: "Don't worry, Lucas is Chloe's now."