The Damage of a White Rose: When the Backup Plan Finds Out She's Dying Chapter 2

Sean had barely reunited with his long-lost first love at the airport when I showed up, dragging my suitcase behind me.

Wearing sunglasses and holding a compact mirror, I looked at the woman beside him, then at myself in the mirror. I suddenly had the urge to get a DNA test.

Seeing me, Sean's brow furrowed so deeply it could have crushed a fly. "Chloe? What are you doing here?"

See? In front of his first love, he resorted to using my actual name instead of his usual pet names.

I took off my sunglasses and walked over confidently to say hi. "What a coincidence."

The woman was momentarily startled to see me, but she quickly recovered, offering an elegant, close-lipped smile and looking at Sean questioningly.

Sean's annoyance eased slightly at her smile. He introduced us simply: "This is Audrey, we grew up together. And this is Chloe, my... friend."

He said the word "friend" so quickly and quietly, it was as if adding "girl" in front of it made no difference.

A sudden look back, and there she is, in the dim, fading light... Ah.

I smiled and extended my hand. "Hi there, I'm Chloe. I'm a ghost, a phantom, someone who shouldn't exist. And of course, I'm Sean's 'friend'."

"Hello," Audrey replied, taking my hand. Every movement and smile radiated the ease and confidence of someone who knows they are favored.

Sean looked inexplicably uncomfortable. He gently urged her, "Audrey, you still need to get over your jet lag. I'll drive you home first. Chloe, you..."

I smiled and cut him off again: "If you have something to do, go do it! Don't worry about me."

This time, Sean finally noticed something was wrong. As if just realizing my short hair and the suitcase, his tone suddenly became anxious. "Why did you cut your hair? Where are you going with that suitcase?"

I laughed. "Sean, you're so funny. Where else would I be going with a suitcase at the airport but on a trip?"

Sean's pupils constricted. "You're leaving me?"

"Oh look, my flight's boarding soon." I checked my watch and waved at them. "Audrey, I'm leaving my friend in your hands. See you around."

With that, I turned to leave, but Sean grabbed my wrist and yelled, "Chloe, what the hell is wrong with you?!"

I flinched at his yell, turning my head. The smile was still on my lips, but tears were falling pathetically down my face. "Sean, there is something wrong with me. I'm sick."

As I said this, my peripheral vision was entirely focused on her. She was so beautiful, so confident; even the sunlight seemed to favor her.

"Sean, let me guess. Right now, are you thinking... thank God I'm the one who's sick, and not her?"