Chapter 3

Marcus gently patted her back. "Lily, this isn't your fault."

Then he looked at me with pleading eyes. "Look, Claire, Lily really didn't mean for this to happen. Last night was genuinely an accident."

I leaned back in my chair, watching the scene unfold. My voice was calm as I said, "Ms. Bardot, you don't need to apologize."

Lily looked up. There was a flicker of hope in her eyes. "You... You forgive me?"

"There's nothing to forgive because you didn't do anything wrong. You were sick, needed help, and called someone you knew. That's perfectly normal."

Lily's eyes brightened further. "Ms. White, you—"

"But Marcus made a mistake," I said as I turned to him. "He chose to leave during our engagement ceremony, in front of 200 guests. That was his choice."

"But..." Lily's voice grew weaker. "Marcus was only trying to help me."

"I know. I don't blame you. But I also can't accept a man who abandons me at our own engagement party."

"So you're calling off the engagement?" Marcus's voice hardened.

"Just because of this, Claire? I was just helping someone who needed it."

"This isn't the first time." I cut him off.

"What?"

"This isn't the first time," I repeated. "Marcus, Lily's been back in the country for three months. What have you been doing for her during those three months?"

He froze.

"The first time, she needed someone to pick her up from the airport, so you ditched our anniversary dinner. The second time, she said she was scared to be home alone, so you drove over at 3:00 am.

"Then, the third time was when she was moving. You spent the entire weekend helping her and missed my dad's birthday."

Marcus's face went pale.

"It's been 18 times in total, Marcus. 18 times. Every single time she said she 'needed help,' you immediately took off."

"That's because she really was in trouble—"

"And I'm not?" I asked. "Last month, when I had a 102℉ fever, where were you? You were helping Lily move. Marcus, you never once asked if I needed you."

"That's because you..." He couldn't finish.

"Because I what? Because I'm too independent? Too strong?" I stood up.

"While Lily..." I looked at the woman, who was still crying.

"She's exactly the type you like. Someone who needs you, depends on you, and makes you feel important."

"Claire, you..." Lily's expression changed. "What are you trying to say? Are you implying something about me?"

"No, Ms. Bardot. I'm simply stating facts. You said you didn't know last night was our engagement party?"

She hesitated. "Y-Yes. That's right."

"But three days ago, Marcus posted about it on Instagram. The picture was of the engagement party invitation. It clearly showed the time and location."

The air froze.

"You liked it," I continued. "You even commented, 'Congratulations! Can't wait to celebrate with you guys!'"

Lily's face went completely white.

"Claire!" Marcus suddenly slammed the table and stood up.

"What are you implying? Are you saying Lily deliberately sabotaged our engagement?"

"I'm simply stating facts."

"This is slander!" Marcus's voice rose.

"Lily just lost her husband, so her emotions are shaky. She needs help, and you're questioning her? Claire, when did you become so vicious?"

Lily suddenly spoke, her voice tearful yet carrying an undertone of something else. "Ms. White, I know you have some misunderstandings about me, but..."

She lifted her head. The flash of satisfaction in her eyes was quickly masked by a look of grievance.

"Actually, Marcus already told me he'll take care of me. I might be staying at his apartment for a while."

"What?" I looked at Marcus.

"Claire, it's not safe for Lily to live alone. The doctor said she needs someone to look after her." Marcus's voice held a trace of guilt.

"Marcus said that as family, this is what he should do." Lily's hand gently touched Marcus's arm.

Marcus didn't pull away. Meanwhile, Lily looked at me, her eyes glowing with victory.

I looked at Marcus and suddenly felt exhaustion overcome me. "Get out. Please just leave."

"Claire..."

"I said get out." My voice was cold. "Or I'll call security."

Marcus stared at me. His expression was a mix of anger, unwillingness, and a hint of hurt. "Fine. If that's what you want, then so be it.

"Claire White, you're going to regret this."

He pulled the still-crying Lily toward the door. Just then, Lily suddenly turned back, and our eyes met.

In that instant, all the fragility disappeared from her face, replaced by naked triumph. After the door closed, I sank back into my chair. My hands were trembling.