Lena Luke Brooke Novel My Farewell, Their Forever

My best friend Brooke once lost a tooth defending me.

My boyfriend Luke won me over with 200 love letters and a sky full of fireworks.

Then, on my 25th birthday, I caught him pressing Brooke against his car, kissing her until her lips were swollen.

What about Lena? Brooke asked, her voice trembling.

I don't want to hurt her," Luke groaned, "But I can't stop wanting you. Tell me what to do."

Then the car began to rock.

I tucked my cancer diagnosis deeper into my pocket and smiled bitterly.

Easy enough.

That night, I booked my assisted suicide.


Snowflakes lashed against my face, sharp and biting. It was the first heavy snowfall of the year.

I stood behind a wall, watching them kiss in the secluded corner.

The hand Luke had wrapped around Brooke's neck still bore the couple's watch he shared with me.

And Brooke was nestled in the very scarf I had knitted for her with my own hands.

After a moment of passionate kissing, they climbed into the car.

I saw the vehicle begin to rock, moans faintly carrying through the frozen air.

My hands and feet had gone numb with cold after waiting half an hour in the relentless snow.

Only when they opened the car door and stepped out did I pretend to have just arrived, raising a hand in greeting.

"You both got here so early?"

"You're the guest of honor today! How could you be late?" Brooke unwound her scarf, the one I'd knitted, and wrapped it around my neck. Her eyes were full of concern. "You're freezing. Why didn't you call me to pick you up?"

That's when I noticed my eyelashes were completely frosted over.

I remembered how Luke used to bundle me in his coat when it snowed, terrified I'd catch a chill.

But now, he only hesitated for a second before finally reaching out to gently brush the snow from my shoulder.

The moment his hand brushed my shoulder, Brooke's expression tightened. She quietly averted her gaze.

Luke immediately stepped back, putting a respectful distance between us.

I shook my head, pretending not to notice, and forced a cheerful grin.

"Oh, come on, I'm not that delicate. Let's get this party started!"

After all, this was my last birthday.

Brooke exclaimed. "Guess what I got you!"

Luke snorted playfully. "My gift is definitely better!"

They fell into their familiar bickering, the easy back-and-forth lightening the mood.

When Luke and I first started dating, Brooke couldn't stand him.

Now, it sounded like playful banter.

I wanted to pretend I couldn't see, that if I didn't turn my head, I wouldn't cry.

But the streetlights cruelly stretched their shadows long.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Luke secretly reach for Brooke's hand.

Their fingers intertwined tightly.

A perfect match.




"Come on, get inside, it's cold out here."

I quickly opened the door for them.

"Don't rush us, we're coming!"

Brooke laughed, quickening her pace in high heels to catch up. As she entered, she stumbled slightly.

The cake she was carrying crashed to the floor.

I rushed forward to help steady her.

"Watch out!" Luke beat me to it, grabbing her waist to steady her.

He anxiously crouched down to check her ankle. "How is it? Can you still walk?"

My outstretched hand hung in mid-air, and Brooke's smile froze on her face.

The air fell into an awkward silence.

Luke's movements faltered as his eyes met mine.

"Lena, don't be mad. Brooke's always been clumsy, she didn't mean to drop the cake. I'll go buy another one right away."

I watched him protect Brooke. Just like Brooke had always protected me, standing in front of me since we were kids.

Brooke and I grew up together in an orphanage. She was hot-headed, and I was timid; she always protected me.

Now, I just awkwardly shoved my hand back into my pocket, fingers caressing that terminal illness notice, and looked away, smiling.

"I'm not a three-year-old, there's nothing to be mad about. It's just a cake."

"Luke, can you clean that up? I'll go check the medicine cabinet for band-aids."

Luke lowered his head apologetically.

"I'll order a new cake right now."

I waved my hand dismissively, helped Brooke sit on the sofa, and found some ointment to gently apply.