Chapter 3

Amid the noise and gasps, Greg and I started fighting.

But Greg pinned my injured arm and dragged me upstairs to the lounge.

This used to be Olivia's and my secret spot.

Close to the hospital. When I was exhausted from surgeries, she'd bring me here to breathe.

When she knew I'd forget to eat, she'd cook and pack snacks in insulated bags.

When my neck ached, she bought a massage chair for the living room.

I used to think all of that was tenderness meant only for me.

But now—it had been turned into a nursery.

Cribs, changing tables, children's toys everywhere.

"Her love was always for Carter. You? She only stayed with you because you saved her from her heart condition."

I froze. "What are you saying?"

He gave me a pitying look and pulled back a sheet to reveal an entire wall of photos.

Olivia and Carter. Together. Intimate.

Skiing in Aspen. Watching sunsets along the Pacific Coast Highway. Wine-tasting in Napa Valley.

"They've been together for three years."

"Last year, on your birthday—Olivia wasn't on a business trip. Lucy and I weren't on our honeymoon."

Greg walked over and pointed to the wedding photo at the center.

"We were all in Paris. At their wedding. Celebrating their happiness."

"A month ago, we staged that lawsuit because we were afraid you'd hurt him once you knew who he was. And look at you now—refusing to let it go. Proves we were right."

I stared at Greg like he was a stranger.

I couldn't believe those words were coming out of his mouth.

Not long ago, at his and Lucy's wedding reception, he'd gripped my hand and said we'd be brothers for life.

And now he was telling me—

It was all planned from the start.

I don't know what I felt. It was like my heart was being carved open, slice by slice.

I shoved Greg away and walked out.

Olivia seemed afraid I'd go after Carter—she instinctively stepped in front of him.

I stopped and looked at them.

"Don't bother protecting him. From now on, you have my blessing."

"Ethan, what are you saying?"

Olivia froze, like she couldn't believe those words came out of my mouth.

"Wish you three a lifetime of happiness."

I didn't want to look at any of them again.

I turned and walked out of that suffocating place.