Vivica's POV
Owen Chase and I had been in a secret relationship for five years. But on my twenty-fourth birthday, he went and married his first love instead.
When I looked at him, silently asking why, he didnt even flinch.
Delilahs in late-stage cancer, he said calmly. She only has a month left, and this is her only wish. I cant let her die with regrets.
Delilah Frost leaned against his shoulder, giving me a taunting look.
I dont like all that sad, drawn-out stuff, she said. A wedding should be celebrated. Why not do it right now?
With that one sentence, the birthday dinner my friends had arranged for me turned into their wedding celebration. My brother, Elliot Rhodes, and our friends stepped up one by one to offer their congratulations.
When it was my turn, I didnt cry, and I didnt make a scene. Under Owens warning stare, I picked up my glass, pretending I felt nothing.
Congratulations on your marriage, I said evenly. May the two of you stay locked together for life.

The room fell silent. Everyone turned to look at me.
Owens fingers tightened around his glass until they turned white, then he patted the seat beside him. Dont make trouble. Vivica, come sit here.
That seat had always belonged to me. Now, Delilah was sitting there.
So, instead of obeying him, I ignored him and went straight to sit beside Elliot.
Owens expression darkened instantly.
But Elliot laughed awkwardly to ease the tension. Owen, we all know you treat Vivica like a little sister, but youre married now. You cant be so casual anymore, or Delilah might get jealous.
Delilah clung to his arm, practically glued to him.
Owen let out a small, dismissive laugh. I just want Delilah to leave without regrets. The marriage ends automatically in a month. Besides, if I had really wanted to marry her, I wouldnt have waited this long.
Yet, no one at the table believed him.
When Delilah went abroad, you were a wreck for months, one friend said.
The most eligible bachelor in the city, hanging around with us every day, not a single girlfriend, another added.
You swore you werent dating because you werent ready, and now one word from Delilah and youre rushing off to get the marriage certificate. You expect us to believe you werent waiting for her?
Exactly. Owen, you were drunk that one night and admitted it yourself that you were waiting for Delilah to come back. We all heard it.
Everyone chimed in, confirming what hed said before.
Meanwhile, I kept my head down, drinking in silence, my heart cramping in pain.
Id been with Owen since I was eighteen. At twenty, Id wanted to go public. But he told me he was one of Elliots major investors. If we announced our relationship, people would speculate about our connection, and he worried I was too young to handle the pressure.
At twenty-two, he said, Give it a little more time. If were still together when youre twenty-four, well make it official.
Today was my twenty-fourth birthday, but he married Delilah.
Delilah smiled triumphantly. Vivica, even though Owen and I bicker a lot, we are legally married now. Hes given you plenty of gifts for your birthdays over the years, right? Youre not planning to give me anything in return? For example, I really like the necklace on your neck. Can I have it?
My fingers tightened unconsciously. My chest squeezed painfully.
It was my eighteenth birthday gift from Owen, the same year he confessed to me. Id worn it for five years now without taking it off.
Elliot, seeing I wasnt answering, tried to smooth things over. Vivica, you know Owen has always been waiting for Delilah. Theyve been apart for so many years. Just let them have this.
I looked at Owen, yet he still didnt say a word.
Not until Delilah shifted into his lap, cooing at him.


Vivica's POV
Owen, I really like it, Delilah said sweetly. Buy me the same necklace, will you? Then I can die without regrets.
Owen chuckled softly and pulled her closer. Dont say things like that. Besides, that necklace isnt worth anything.
Then he turned to me. Vivica, since she wants it, just give it to her.
For a moment, I didnt even know how to respond.
From the age of eighteen, Id followed him without asking for a title. Five years of keeping our relationship underground, wed tried everything lovers could try. He liked me in spaghetti-strap dresses, so I stopped wearing my usual white T-shirts. He wanted the thrill of secrecy, so I stayed hidden for him.