Chapter 2.
Emma’s POV
Back in high school, Ava used every trick in the book to steal Jason away from me. And when she got bored, she dropped him, claiming she was going abroad to study.
Now, she’s back in the picture–this time with her “last wish list,” flaunting her control over Jason like she’s the one who’s always been meant to be his bride
Bungee jumping, skiing, the Northern Lights in Iceland. She ticked off each item, posting it all on social media with captions designed to make her look like she was living out the fairy tale.
But the real kicker? Jason actually believes that Ava is terminally ill and doesn’t have much time left. So, he’s at her beck and call, waiting on her hand and foot. He might as well put up a shrine next to her bed and start worshipping her 24/7,3
I want to shake him and see if anything’s even in there. How could someone be this blind? Seven years of my life, completely
Just then, my phone lit up, showing “Chase Thompson on the screen.
Chase is my neighbor and for years now, he’s quietly harbored a crush on me.”
I answered the call, and his voice immediately reached me–soft, cautious, as if he was afraid of disturbing something fragile.
“Emma, are you okay? I saw Jason’s post…
His words brushed against my heart, and I felt this strange flutter in my chest
“Tm fine,” I said, trying to sound casual. But I could even hear the tremor in my voice
“Don’t be sad, Em. He doesn’t deserve you.” His voice was steady, firm–like he meant it
You deserve better.”
He suggested we hit up our place,” the quiet little bar we used to go to back in college. I didn’t hesitate.
I needed to drown out the anger, the hurt, the confusion. A couple of drinks sounded perfect
At the bar, I could already feel the alcohol working its magic, and the world around me starting to blur
I grabbed my phone, opened the camera, and recorded a video, my head swimming as I stared into the lens
My hair was a mess, my eyes unfocused, and I laughed, the sound coming out sloppily as I raised my glass…
“Here’s to all the assholes out there! Hope you die alone–no peaceful death for you!
I downed the drink in one go, posted the video, and before I even had time to process it, my phone rang!!
Jason’s name flashed on the screen.
“Emma! Are you out of your mind? What the hell did you post? Delete it right now!” His voice was full of shock, anger, and disbelief.
“Am I crazy? No, I’m not crazy–yet! It’s you who’s making me lose it” I shouted into the phone, the words tumbling out in a rush. “Jason, you’re a damn fool! Ava isn’t even sick! She’s lying to you!”
There was a pause, and then I heard Ava’s soft, whiny voice come through, interrupted by fake little coughs
“Emma, how could you say that about me…” Ava let out a fake cough before going on, “I’m really feeling terrible… Why are you doin
this to me?“K
Her voice cracked like she was about to cry, and then she added. “Jason just wants to help me fulfill my last wish… I swear, we never meant to hurt you..”
I could hear Jason’s voice now, soothing, tender. “Ava, don’t worry, I’m here. I’ll take care of everything.”
They were practically in a bubble of their own, ignoring me completely. Their little affectionate exchange made my stomach chum
“Jason, if you care about her so much, then stay with her!” I yelled, the words burning in my throat. “Forget the wedding. Just cancel
I felt this wave of emotion rising like I was going to break down at any moment, but no tears came. I just reached for another drink.
One glass after another, I drank until the world spun around me, a kaleidoscope of light and noise, each color blending into the next.
I’m not sure when it happened, but at some point. I felt someone supporting me, warm hands pressing against my back. The faint smell of laundry powder filled the air.
It was Chase Thompson.
“Em, you’ve had too much to drink,” his voice was soft, full of concern.
His hands steadied me as the world around me continued to swirl. I closed my eyes, grateful for the warmth, even if it was temporary
