Chapter 4

"Ma'am, are you okay? Hold on—I'll get you to the hospital!"

A passerby, a good Samaritan, had come to my rescue.

In the ER, I lay there for what felt like an eternity, convinced I was close to death.

If not for the stranger's timely help, I wouldn't have made it.

Carter never called.

Brielle, however, was busy posting on Instagram:

"Who wouldn't want a bestie who's always there? Just had a minor allergic reaction, and he stayed by my side for 24 hours. Can't help but love him!"

The picture? Carter peeling fruit for her, looking sweet and content.

The comments flooded in:

"You two are such a vibe! Perfect together!"

"Twenty years of history? You've gotta tie the knot already—I can't wait to send wedding gifts!"

I took a sip of hot soup, typed a short comment, and hit send:

"Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness."

Carter must've seen my comment because he called shortly after, sounding dismissive.

"They're just joking around. Why are you always overthinking things?"

"Brielle was sick—I had to take care of her. Are you really upset about that?"

"When she's better, I'll help you plan the engagement again. I'll even go with you to pick out your wedding dress. Happy now?"

Unmoved, I replied flatly, "Anything else? I'm busy."

He paused, probably surprised by my indifference.

In the past, I would've been furious over Brielle's posts and demanded answers, only to face his scolding.

"Why are you so sensitive? This is how close friends act. I'm not ending a lifelong friendship because you're jealous. Look in the mirror—your behavior is ridiculous."

But now, I felt nothing.

Before he could say more, I hung up.

The police asked me to identify my attackers, but I also wanted to find the stranger who saved me. Unfortunately, he was long gone.

Meanwhile, Brielle's latest post showed her in a sultry satin slip dress, leaning against a man with his arm around her. Though his face wasn't visible, the caption read:

"Sweet dreams tonight."

She was in my bedroom.

I didn't belong there anymore.

This time, I wouldn't return to stumble upon their "surprises" like before.

When Carter scrambled to explain Brielle's past antics, he sounded laughably unconvincing.

"She got drunk, and I couldn't just leave her at the bar. That's why I brought her back. Don't get the wrong idea."

Brielle had chimed in shamelessly, "Yeah, we're just friends. Don't overthink it."

Sure. Friends who bathe together and "accidentally" end up half-naked.