"And… there’s something else. I didn’t want to tell you over the phone, but you need to know."
I wiped my tears, trying to focus. "What is it?"
"Our hospital is running a clinical trial," Ethan said. "A new experimental treatment for brain cancer. It’s risky, but it’s your best chance."
I froze.
"You knew?" I whispered.
"I had a suspicion," he admitted. "I saw your medical records, Emma. I know you’ve been trying to fight this alone."
My chest ached.
“Come to me,” Ethan pleaded. “Let me help you, Emma. Not just with the trial—but with everything. Let me take you away from all of this.”
I clutched the phone tightly, my heart pounding. This was it. My chance to leave. To escape this nightmare. To fight for myself. I took a deep breath, my decision made.
"I’m coming, Ethan.”
The house was silent. Too silent.
Jason, Lily, and Noah were gone. They had packed up and moved into their newly bought mansion—a home filled with luxury, laughter, and a future that didn’t include me. They had left me behind without a second thought.