Chapter 4

The day of Chloe' s birthday party arrived. The estate buzzed with activity, transformed into a scene from a twisted fairytale. Guests, Ethan' s business associates and society figures, mingled, their laughter echoing in the grand ballroom. I stood in the shadows, a ghost at my own stolen wedding feast.

"Ethan seems so happy with Chloe," a woman whispered nearby. "He was never like this with Ava. She was always so... intense."

"Yes, Chloe is much more suitable," another agreed. "Softer. More feminine." Their words were like tiny, sharp needles.

During the gift-giving, Chloe, resplendent in a designer gown, scanned the room. Her eyes landed on me. "Oh, Ava," she cooed, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "There' s one more gift I' d like." She pointed to the delicate diamond necklace I wore. It was a Knight family heirloom, one Ethan had given me during our "loving" phase. "For his future wife," he' d said.

My hand instinctively went to my throat. This was too much. But then, I remembered. Four days left. What did it matter? I unclasped the necklace and handed it to her. "Of course, Chloe. Happy birthday." My voice was surprisingly steady.

Ethan watched, a muscle twitching in his jaw. My compliance seemed to anger him more than any defiance. "You know, Chloe," he said, his voice dangerously light, "Ava has a heart condition too. Perhaps she could donate hers to you. A truly selfless gift." He then scoffed. "Though, I doubt anyone would want a heart as tainted as hers." He was referencing Chloe' s lie about having an artificial heart to seem more like his savior.

The cruelty of his words, the public humiliation, was breathtaking. Chloe giggled, preening.

Later, Ethan and Chloe were by the ornate fountain in the garden, a staged romantic moment for the photographers he' d invited. I stood near the edge of the estate' s lake, seeking a moment' s peace, the water dark and still. My artificial heart pulsed erratically.

Suddenly, a sharp shove from behind. Chloe. I stumbled, lost my balance, and plunged into the icy water. The shock of the cold was immense. Then, I heard Chloe scream, "Help! I' ve fallen in! Ethan, save me!" She' d jumped in after me, a perfect damsel in distress.

The water closed over my head. For a moment, I felt a strange sense of release. Let it end. Let it all end.

Then, chaos above. Shouts. Ethan' s voice, panicked. "Chloe! Ava!"