Chapter 1

Every time my boyfriend, Ethan, and I had sex, my best friend, Chloe, stood less than three feet away, watching us.

All because Ethan supposedly developed severe skin hunger after donating his bone marrow to save my life.

Whenever an episode hit, Chloe—a psychology major—was the only one who could calm him down through physical contact.

So, on our anniversary, their fingers were tightly intertwined.

At our engagement party, they clung to each other like conjoined twins.

I broke down and thought about ending things countless times.

Yet every single time, he fell to his knees in tears.

"Serena, do you find me disgusting? You can't do this to me."

"If I hadn't donated my marrow to save you, I wouldn't have ended up like this."

Chloe acted torn and gave me repeated reassurances.

"It's better that it's me than some stranger. I can keep an eye on him for you, and I swear I'll never cross the line."

Guilt-ridden, I forced myself to turn a blind eye to their intimacy.

Until today, when Ethan went for his solo follow-up appointment.

Uneasy, I turned back halfway to the hospital, only to find Chloe cornering him by the stairwell.

"How long are you going to keep faking this illness? I don't care about having a title, but I won't be able to hide this baby in my belly forever."

"You have to give me and our child an answer eventually."

Ethan wrapped his arms around her, kissing her passionately.

"Just wait a little longer. I promised her a grand wedding."

"Think of it as my final compensation to her. As soon as the ceremony is over, I'll marry you."

I clamped a hand over my mouth, fighting back my sobs.

Their intimacy wasn't a symptom. It was love.

Since that was the case, in this crowded relationship of three, I chose to step aside and set them free.

I didn't storm forward to confront them.

Their conversation around the corner went on.

Chloe hung all over him, scoffing coldly.

"Look at you, being so kind-hearted. You already saved her life, yet you still insist on giving her a lavish wedding."

Sensing the jealousy in her voice, Ethan pulled her closer, his tone turning distinctly coaxing.

"You know damn well that whole marrow donor story was fake. It was just a convenient excuse for me to stay by your side in broad daylight without raising suspicion."

"Are you really going to be jealous over that?"

A bomb went off in my head.

It felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over me, chilling me to the core.

Because of this supposed life-saving debt,

I had forced myself to tolerate their blatant physical affection as something justified.

Not only had I lived in sheer agony,

but my parents had also endured endless humiliation on my behalf.

And now, I found out it was all a lie.

A heavy weight crushed my chest, making it hard to breathe.

Chloe hummed contentedly after being pacified, yet she still pouted.

"Then what about the wedding? Just throw a simple one together. Why make it so elaborate?"

"I don't care. You're just treating her better than me."

This time, Ethan didn't immediately soothe her.

He fell silent for a long moment before speaking, his voice laced with a subtle chill.

"Chloe, I don't want to hear that again."

"Serena can't compare to you. But she's stayed by my side for so many years. All she ever wanted was a proper wedding. I owe her that much."

Sensing his irritation, Chloe backed off, softening her tone to placate him.

"Alright, I was just rambling. Don't be mad. I won't say it again."

As soon as she finished, the crisp click of Ethan's belt buckle echoed in the quiet stairwell.

Heavy, lustful gasps intertwined.

Chloe let out a soft cry. "Not here... be gentle..."

"I'm carrying your baby!"

Ethan's voice grew rough and husky. "You asked for this. Take it!"

Nausea surged in my gut. I desperately wanted to rush out and demand an explanation.

It took every ounce of strength I had to suppress the rage boiling within me.

That night, they didn't return until ten o'clock.

"Serena? You're still awake?"

"Let me tell you, that checkup was exhausting today. We ran all over the place for tests. My legs are completely weak."

Chloe linked her arm through mine the moment she stepped inside, acting cute.

Up close, I could smell the faint trace of Ethan's cologne on her.

I sat stiffly on the couch.

Why her legs were weak was something I knew better than anyone.

Seeing my silence, Ethan quickly leaned in with concern.

"Why are you so pale?"

"Did you get into an argument with a coworker today?"

Before I could speak, Chloe cut in with a chuckle.

"Ethan, you're overthinking it."

"She can tolerate the man she loves cuddling another woman every day without batting an eye. She's practically a saint. How could she possibly argue with anyone?"

Chloe said it lightly, but I caught the clear mockery underneath.

Ethan instantly shot her a warning glare.

She quickly shut her mouth, wrapping both hands around my arm and shaking it gently.

"Oh, Serena, you know I'm just blunt. Don't take it to heart."

"The doctor said today that Ethan's condition might actually be curable soon. Your suffering is finally coming to an end."

"As the medicine that kept him going for three years, let me congratulate you in advance. Just don't forget about me in the future."

She laughed and changed the topic.

Yet every word felt loaded.

It was as if she were reminding me that once Ethan recovered, I would be the one cast aside.