tanding just outside the front door of her friend' s house, listening. I had told Chloe I would meet her here for a part

g. "He's probably just being paranoid because y

ed. "He's been so cold. And

ry Daniel, get his inheritance when he... you know... passes, and

lness" wasn't just a ploy for sympathy, it was a

lked in, a pleasant smile fix

ruptly. Chloe and Jessica s

tering a bright, false smile on her face. "I

corated for an engagement party. A banner on the wall said "Co

oving fiancé. I let Chloe hold my hand, I laughed at her friends' jokes. All the while, I was watchi

ly session at the studio tomorrow," I said, kissing C

eved. "Okay, ho

k. Then I parked and walked back, slipping into the backyard through an unlocked gate. I

arrived. He walked right up to Chloe and wrapped his arms arou

r doing nothing to cool the fire in my gut.

aid, laughing as she took a glass of ch

n a hand down her back. "Did you tell him my cancer is getting worse? Lay it

him the doctors only gave you s

nd was ugly, distorted by

e cancer diagnosis. The depravity of it took my breath

ir cruelty was a physical force, a tidal wave crashing over me. I stumbled back from the window, gasping for air. My legs gave out and I collapsed o