Chapter 1

Sophie and I both lost at Truth or Dare.

I clutched the pregnancy test in my pocket, sneaking a glance at my boyfriend, Ryan Carter, cheeks burning as I was about to pick truth.

But Sophie Lane beat me to it. She swirled her wine glass, her gaze fixed on me with a faint, knowing smile.

"I've been seeing one of your boyfriends for eight years. We got our marriage license yesterday. But his girlfriend still doesn't know."

I froze, my body trembling uncontrollably. Among all our friends, I was the only one actually in a relationship with Ryan.

My best friend, Chloe Summers, said, "Come on, everyone already knows that. Spill something else."

Ryan seconded, "That doesn't count."

I watched them cheering and egging each other on to drink, the room buzzing with laughter. It was like my whole body had been thrown into a whirlpool, leaving me dizzy and completely lost.

I'd been with Ryan for thirteen years. And he'd been seeing Sophie for eight.

My hand, still gripping the pregnancy test, dug so hard into my palm that it drew blood. I took a deep, shaky breath and asked, my voice trembling, "Sophie, did you and Ryan really get married?"

My voice was so choked up that I could barely get the words out.

The moment my question cut through the noise, the whole room fell silent, like someone had hit the mute button.

"Are you two really together?" I looked at Ryan. "You've been dating for eight years?"

Sophie set her glass down.

Chloe stepped in, blocking my way. "Emma, don't lose it."

I stared at her.

Chloe was my best friend. She had been by my side since we were little. She was the one who once ran through a storm just to bring me painkillers when I had cramps.

Now she was protecting my boyfriend's girlfriend.

I glanced around the room. Almost everyone here was a friend of both Ryan and me. And not one of them ever thought to warn me.

*****

"She knew I was with him!" I choked out, feeling like I was about to pass out. "And you all just stood by and covered for their little affair behind my back?"

Ryan stood up. "Emma, please." He looked at Sophie, his voice full of regret but firm. "If you want to blame someone, blame me. I couldn't help myself."

The AC was cranked up way too high, making the air icy.

My heart felt like it was being squeezed by an icy, unforgiving hand.

"When did this happen?" I asked.

No one answered.

"You two got together eight years ago and got married yesterday," I said, digging my nails into my palm, trying to keep my voice steady. "Last night, Ryan even texted me, telling me to watch out for the typhoon and stock up on food."

Chloe sighed. "Emma, you should just go home. Knowing more will only make you feel worse. You can't force him to love you."

I stared at her, my best friend since childhood, as she stood in front of the woman who'd stolen my man, standing up for her. I wanted to say something, but the words just wouldn't come.

Everyone else avoided my gaze, but Sophie was the only one who met my eyes. Her honesty was almost brutal. She lifted her chin slightly, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Emma, no one was trying to hide anything from you," Sophie said. "But when it comes to love, there's no such thing as first come, first served."

My chest churned, and a sour ache rose up and lodged in my throat. I couldn't swallow it down. I raised my hand.

Ryan stepped forward, gripping my wrist tightly, his voice a mix of helplessness and comfort.

"Emma, it's all my fault. Don't take it out on Sophie. It's her birthday today. Whatever you want to say, we can talk about it later."

I grabbed the glass in front of me and downed it in one go. The liquor burned my throat, making my eyes sting.

He remembered it was Sophie's birthday. But today was also the anniversary of our thirteen years together. I'd booked a table at a restaurant weeks ago, just for us.

But the message I sent was still sitting there, waiting for a reply that never came.