eant to be a celebration of my recovery. My parents, kind but distant, seemed relieved

Chloe, who sat across from us. He passed her the bread basket before I could even ask for it. He laug

plate, avoiding the carrots. "You still hate carrots, right

Chloe said, her vo

getable preferences better than mine. I couldn't remember if I

te of this charade. I cleared my throat, planning to announce that I

d a flicker of annoyance crossed her face. Liam saw her expression and imme

ghing. "He won't

onfused. "Who, dear

ne. But the moment had passed. The intimate exchange between her and Liam had derailed my

o me. "You've been so quiet tonight, baby," he said, stroking my hai

We were celebrating my birthday, months before the accident. Liam

who had called to say goodnight. "I have to go, baby. Talk to yo

tute for the person he really wanted? The thought made me feel sick.

a life I didn't recognize. On my dresser was a small, wooden box. I opened it. Inside were mementos from

sent. My own handwriting looked foreign to me. I read the words. It was a letter full of doubt and sa

knew something was wrong. She felt the distance, the deception. I wa

treasured memories. They were

smile not quite reaching his eyes. "I was looking for you. Listen, I know things h

force the fantasy. He wanted to recreate

But I needed more time. I needed to plan. His invitation wasn't an act of love. It was an