Chapter 1

After choosing my wedding dress, I received identical Snapchat messages from my two childhood best friends.

They wanted me to drive through a torrential downpour to deliver pads to Olivia.

They even meticulously specified the exact brand, as if terrified my "carelessness" would ruin her day.

In the past, whenever I had cramps, Julian and Tristan would scramble to bring me hot cocoa and heating pads, pampering me like a princess.

They once swore that no matter which of them I ended up marrying in the future, they would always protect me.

But now, I was nothing but yesterday’s news.

That was fine. Next month, I was marrying the billionaire heir my parents set me up with.

Who they chose to cherish had absolutely nothing to do with me anymore.

Two weeks ago, Olivia had a massive blowout with Beatrice and ran away from home.

Pitying her because she had nowhere to go, I let her crash at my place.

Out of respect for me, Julian and Tristan showered her with extra care.

But slowly, Olivia began to change. She started mimicking everything about the childhood version of me.

I was too buried in my hospital shifts to care, but my two childhood friends became increasingly obsessed with her.

They practically competed to drive her to and from work.

They even casually suggested I should yield the front passenger seat to her.

I tolerated all of that. After all, a car seat didn't have my name carved on it.

But Tristan knew exactly how severe my food allergies were. Yet, he cooked an entire dinner tailored solely to Olivia’s tastes.

I accidentally ate a dish containing my allergens and spent a whole week battling nausea and vertigo.

Afterward, I waited patiently for his apology.

In the past, even if it was the tiniest thing, he would immediately worry about my feelings.

But this time, the only thing I got was a photo of the two of them taking Olivia to an amusement park.

And this wasn't an isolated incident.

I guess the girl who just arrived really could easily replace the girl who had been there for twenty years.

"Audrey, you know, Olivia really has that same bubbly energy you had when we were kids."

Julian’s booming laugh suddenly cut through my thoughts.

Julian and Tristan walked through the door, carrying arms full of shopping bags, with Olivia trailing behind them.

The two guys collapsed onto the sofa, their faces glowing with excitement.

Then, like a soldier flaunting her spoils of war, Olivia dumped the contents of the bags onto the coffee table.

I glanced over. The clothes were from the exact brands and styles I used to wear.

But the sizes were definitely not mine.

"Audrey, do you think this one suits me? Or is it a bit too childish?"

Olivia held up a pastel pink babydoll dress against herself, her voice dripping with mock hesitation and a trace of smugness.

Before I could answer, Julian chimed in carelessly.

"It’s perfect for a young girl like you. Honestly, Audrey is getting a bit too old for pastel pink. Wearing it now would just look like she's trying too hard."

In the past, Julian used to tease me about getting older just to coax me into marrying him.

Every time, I’d chase him around the yard, pretending to beat him up.

He’d never get mad. He’d just squint his handsome eyes and smile like a sly fox.

But now that Olivia was here, the contrast made me look like an old maid who missed her window.

Even Tristan, who rarely smiled, nodded in silent agreement.

Olivia acted like a cat that had just stolen cream, casting a sly glance to gauge my reaction.

Seeing my silence, Julian instinctively reached out to drape his arm over my shoulder, just like he always did.

Suddenly, his physical intimacy made me uncomfortable. I quickly stood up and stepped back, dodging his touch.

He froze for a second, his handsome brows knitting together.

"What’s wrong?"

I didn't know how to answer. Luckily, my phone started vibrating.

Treating it like a lifeline, I waved the screen at them and turned toward the stairs.

Being ignored clearly bruised Olivia's ego.

Julian immediately pulled her down onto the sofa to comfort her.

"Don't mind her. Ever since Audrey became a chief surgeon, she's had that resting bitch face. Don't take it to heart."

"What do you want for dinner tonight? I'll cook for you."

Behind me, Julian and Tristan were laughing and chatting around Olivia.

But with every step I took up the stairs, my feet felt heavier.

On the phone, my mom's anxious voice came through.

"Audrey, sweetie, what are you thinking?"

"Are you going to choose Julian or Tristan, or are you going to listen to your father and me? Zackary Sterling, the heir to the Sterling Group, is interested in meeting you."

Hearing that, I glanced down from the banister at the cozy trio in my living room.

My heart felt like it was encased in ice.

"Set up the date, Mom. Let me know when and where."