Chapter 3

My birthday was three days later. Ever since Charlotte's fake death, my family had gone out of their way to ignore every single one of my birthdays.

I was just about to say no when Dwight, who was still wiping tears, cut in.

He said, "No way. Did you forget? Lydia's birthday is in three days. We need to be there for her."

I stood there, stunned, a mix of emotions tangled up inside. They'd already decided to plot against me, so what was the point of saying all this now?

Edward didn't keep me guessing for long.

He smacked his forehead, groaning, "Oh, I almost forgot. I even got a birthday present ready for Lydia."

Then he crouched down and took my hand, his eyes shining with hope.

He said, "Lydia, there's real hope for your back. The specialist I found will be here in three days.

"This birthday could mark a whole new beginning for you."

I was mocking them silently. "Really?" I asked, pretending to be amazed.

Dwight hurried over, practically squeezing in. "Of course, it's real. But the surgery is tricky, and it's going to cost a—"

Before he could finish, I interrupted him. "I have it. I haven't even touched the inheritance Mom left me."

Finally, they got down to what really mattered.

Dwight and Edward could barely hide their excitement.

"Lydia, you're definitely going to get better," Edward said.

I couldn't help but let out a light laugh. Of course, I was going to recover. I would be healthy and live my life to the fullest.

*****

Dinner that night was full of silent scheming. Every one of us played our own mind games.

After we cleared the dishes, Edward wheeled me outside for our usual stroll.

The wind had picked up, so Edward made sure to bundle me up and tucked a knitted hat over my head, fussing that I might catch a chill.

He'd always gone out of his way for me, even as a kid, ten times more considerate than he ever was to Charlotte.

I used to think it was because he loved me. Now I know better. Being with me just meant a better deal for him.

As we walked, his phone rang.

He glanced at the caller ID and then hurriedly pressed the phone, saying it was a call from work.

I shot him a knowing look and told him to go ahead and answer it.

Once Edward was out of earshot, I grabbed my phone and texted Bernice.

I: [I'm scheduled for surgery in three days.]

I: [Is that doctor you found available to be the lead surgeon?]

*****

As we walked, my lawyer texted me that the contract was ready.

Trailing behind me, Edward caught sight of the message, and his eyes practically sparkled. "Is that about Maureen's inheritance?"

I nodded, switching off my phone's screen. "I'll transfer the inheritance to you on the day of my surgery. Just remember to pay the hospital bill for me."

He agreed at once eagerly. "Absolutely, honey. Just leave it to me. I've got this."

My phone screen lit up again, and the digital divorce agreement appeared in my chat.

But Edward was so lost in his fantasy of sudden riches that he didn't even notice I'd already signed my name.

Those three days went by in an eerie calm, like the calm before a storm.

But whenever their eyes secretly met across the room, I could sense the brewing conspiracy.

*****

Early that morning, my lawyer knocked on the door.

With a quick glance from me, he flipped the divorce papers to the last page.

It already had my signature.

Edward was completely convinced that I wouldn't trick him. He didn't even bother reading it before signing his name.

Dwight couldn't contain his smile as he wheeled me out the door. "Today's a big day. Once you're out of surgery, you'll finally have a healthy body again."

I just nodded and let them lead me to the hospital.

Even though they were determined to keep me from getting better, they still had to go through the motions and follow every pre-surgery procedure.

Just as I pressed a cotton swab onto the needle mark from my blood draw, a crisp, lively voice rang out behind me. "Dad!"

Edward stiffened instantly, glancing at me instinctively.