A week later, Vanessa was discharged from the hospital.

Harlan burst through our door carrying fancy health supplements, his other hand holding Vanessa's. Both beamed with joy as his mother trailed behind them.


"Rachel, Vanessa isn't fully recovered yet. She just got back from abroad and her parents aren't in the country. I told her she could stay with us for a while. You don't mind, right?"

Mrs. Sawyer glanced around our living room with a critical eye, then patted my hand with shameless entitlement.

I'd always respected her, never imagining she would ambush me like this in my own home.


"Actually, I do mind."

Mrs. Sawyer's smile vanished instantly.


I always prided myself on seeing relationships clearly—never clinging to what wasn't meant for me.

But this time was different. This time, I had to fight.

Looking straight into Harlan's eyes, I said: "Harlan, if I'm still your girlfriend—if you still have any feelings for me at all—don't insult me like this."

Sensing the tension, Vanessa quickly jumped in.

She dabbed at her eyes, looking utterly helpless. "I'm so sorry, Harlan. I'm causing problems. I'll find somewhere else to stay."

I knew Harlan was a sucker for her damsel-in-distress routine.

Right on cue, he grabbed Vanessa's arm as she pretended to leave.

His mother hovered protectively near Vanessa, as if I might attack her precious guest.

"Don't be difficult, Rachel. Of course I care about you, but Vanessa's my friend. I can't turn my back on her when she needs help."

Harlan ruffled my hair like I was a child throwing a tantrum.

But this time, something had shifted between us.

I suddenly felt bone-tired.

The fight drained out of me.

"Fine. Vanessa can have the room on the left. Just stay out of my way."

Harlan's face lit up with a smile directed at Vanessa.

His mother promptly escorted Vanessa to her room, the two arm-in-arm like mother and daughter-in-law already.

Harlan dumped a pile of snacks in front of me. "Here, have some."

Before I could respond, he spun around and hurried after Vanessa.

I watched him fluff her pillows, fetch her water…

All things he'd never once done for me in three years.

The three of them chatted happily in her new room while I sat alone in the silent living room.

I shoved away his pity snacks and grabbed the farthest tangerine from the fruit bowl.

I refused to be anyone's afterthought.