Chapter 1

In my heart, Ethan was never the adopted golden boy who stole my life. He was my dearest brother, the only one who truly cared.

When our parents refused to recognize me after I was brought back from that trailer park, Ethan knelt on the cold marble floor until his knees bled, begging them to let me stay.

When our high-society classmates bullied me for my rustic accent, he slapped Harper—the ringleader of the rich kids—right across the face.

He was shaking with fear, yet he still smiled and patted my shoulder to comfort me.

Even when it came to the family's multi-billion-dollar empire, he didn’t want a single cent. He told everyone it all belonged to me.

Later, he pushed Chloe to my side.

Chloe was the crown jewel of our social circle. She taught me proper etiquette, helped me get into an Ivy League school, and molded me into a true heir.

On our graduation day, she confessed her love to me. She said she wanted to marry me and spend the rest of her life by my side.

The two of them were like bright, roaring flames. They warmed my otherwise dark and hopeless life over and over again.

Until today, when I came back from the hospital.

Through the cracked door of our future bridal suite, I saw Chloe sobbing in Ethan's arms.

"Why are you forcing me to marry Brandon?" Chloe choked out, her voice filled with tears. "You know you're the one I've always loved!"

Ethan didn't push her away. His eyes were red as he whispered, "Stop, Chloe. Please, don't hurt Brandon. We are all he has left..."

Outside the door, my tears and a sudden nosebleed stained the medical report in my hand:

[Patient’s estimated life expectancy: Less than one month.]

I suddenly smiled.

It was perfect.

Even the Grim Reaper was trying to make things right for them.

Thud!

The dizziness from the sudden blood loss made my knees buckle. I crashed hard against the doorframe, and the medical papers slipped from my hand, scattering across the floor.

As I scrambled to pick them up, the door was pulled open.

Ethan still had tears in his eyes. When he saw me bleeding on the floor, his face went completely pale.

"Brandon! What happened? Why are you bleeding so much?"

I wiped my nose with the back of my hand.

I looked up and forced a natural smile.

"It’s nothing. I was checking my phone while walking and crashed straight into the door."

Ethan knelt down, using his expensive sleeve to wipe the blood from my face without a second thought. "How could you be so careless? Does it hurt?"

"Let me help you up first. I'll call the family doctor to make sure you didn't get a—"

Before he could finish the word "concussion," Chloe’s eyes fell on the floor.

She frowned and reached down.

"What is this?"

My heart stopped. The medical report!

No!

Terrified, I lunged forward and snatched the paper away. My voice cracked with panic.

"Nothing!"

They both stared at me, startled by my sudden outburst.

Chloe's hand hovered in the air, her sharp eyes scanning the bloody paper. Fortunately, the blood had smeared the critical words into an unreadable mess.

I tried to act calm as I shoved the paper into my pocket.

"Just the flu and some dehydration. I went to the clinic, and the doctor got me some meds."

"You know how dry the winter air gets. It makes my nose bleed so easily. You two should stay hydrated too!"

Chloe stared at me for a few long seconds. Finally, the suspicion in her eyes faded.

Then she asked hesitantly, "Brandon... did you hear anything just now?"

I felt Ethan's grip tighten on my arm.

I knew what they were afraid of.

But honestly, it was fine. Even if I knew the truth, I could never blame them.

After all, I was the one who had stolen this life.

Yet, my eyes burned, and tears threatened to spill.

I forced myself to look confused.

"Hear what?"

"I was too busy fighting with the doorframe. It hurt so bad I almost cried. Did something happen?"

Hearing this, Chloe let out a visible sigh of relief.

Ethan's body relaxed too, and he helped me walk inside.

"Nothing. We were just discussing your wedding details."

"Come on, let's get you inside and stop that bleeding."

Chloe nodded and reached to close the door. But right before it clicked shut—

Bam!

A hand with sharp knuckles blocked the door, pushing it wide open.

Harper's arrogant, mocking face popped in.

She glared at me and yelled, "Brandon! Why did you run away when you saw me outside the oncology ward today?!"

My heart sank.

Oh, no.