Chapter 3

The company infirmary was chaotic. Paramedics were triaging employees, the air thick with the smell of antiseptic and smoke. They had me on a gurney, my leg temporarily splinted and throbbing with a pain so intense it made me nauseous.

Across the room, I saw Liam. He was hovering over Tiffany, who was sitting on a cot with an oxygen mask held loosely to her face. He was stroking her hair, whispering comforting words. She looked perfectly fine, not a scratch on her, just artfully smudged mascara.

My colleagues were gathered nearby, their voices low murmurs.

"He had to save Tiffany, you know," someone said. "Her family's firm could pull our funding."

"Yeah, and Chloe's tough," another added. "She probably told him to go."

Tiffany, ever the performer, lowered her oxygen mask. "I told him to go back for her," she said, her voice a fragile whisper loud enough for everyone to hear. "But I was so scared, and I think he knew I was weaker. He had more faith in Chloe's ability to survive on her own."

Liam nodded grimly, accepting the praise. "Chloe is the strongest person I know. I knew she'd find a way."

My blood ran cold. The sheer audacity of their lies was breathtaking.

I pushed myself up on my elbows, my voice cutting through the murmurs. "Liam."

He looked over, startled.

"We're done," I said, my voice clear and steady. "We are broken up. Right now."

His face flushed with anger. "Chloe, this isn't the time or place."

"It's the perfect time and place," I said. "I want everyone to hear it. I'm dumping you."

Tiffany gasped, clutching her chest. "Chloe, how can you be so cruel? After he saved my life?"

"He didn't save your life," I said, my gaze locked on Liam. "He left me to die."