I Died the Day He Chose Her

Claire's POV

Ryan loves me deeply—at least that's what everyone says. Seven years together, we look like the perfect couple to outsiders. But only I know he's betrayed me three times.

The first time was three years ago. His brother died in a car accident saving him, leaving behind his widow Sophia—Ryan's unforgettable first love. He got married to her behind my back. When I found out, I completely fell apart. I have dignity. I refuse to be the other woman. I wanted to leave, but he got on his knees and begged me. "This is just to take better care of my sister-in-law. She only has me now. Once I find out the truth about my brother's death, I'll divorce her. Then we can get married."

I believed him. I forgot that a man never lets go of a lost love he's gotten back.

The second time was at last year's company anniversary celebration. In front of all the executives and business partners, he introduced Sophia as his wife. I stood in the crowd watching them side by side on stage, like a knife through my heart. That night when he came home to explain, "It's just for show. We're getting close to the enemy. We need to appear as a couple at certain events. Once everything's over, we can be together."

I believed him again.

The third time was two weeks ago. A friend forwarded me a message—surveillance footage from a hotel showing Ryan with his arm around Sophia going into a room. I rushed to his office to confront him, but outside his door I heard her voice. "Ryan, I'm pregnant. It's your baby. I want to keep it."

Through the crack in the door, I see him hesitate. In that instant I understand. He's going to keep her.

He spots me and rushes out in a panic. "It was an accident! Let me explain! After she has the baby, I'll give her money and make her leave. She won't be in our lives anymore!"

In that moment, I finally wake up. There will be no future for us.

Before I can say anything, Sophia's weak cry comes from inside the office.

"Ryan... my stomach hurts..."

His expression changes instantly. He drops me and rushes back inside. I instinctively try to follow, but hear his anxious voice. "Where does it hurt? Is the baby moving? I'm taking you to the hospital right now!"

"It's all my fault for being careless..." Sophia's voice sounds weak and pitiful. "Don't let Claire worry. I'm fine..."

Ryan isn't paying attention to me anymore. He scoops up Sophia and rushes out, shoving right past me. I slam against the hallway wall, my shoulder screaming in pain.

He doesn't even look back as he runs toward the elevator, just throwing out, "Sophia's health is what matters. We'll talk about this later!"

So in his heart, I mean nothing compared to her.

I clutch my shoulder as I walk out of the building. Once I get in my car, I finally break down. Tears hit the steering wheel as I bite my lip to keep from sobbing out loud.

I have to leave. But Ryan won't let me go. His need for control is too strong. He'll chase me to the ends of the earth.

I remember that woman I met a few months ago. She told me about an organization that helps women like me who are trapped. Back then I thought I didn't need it. Now I realize it's my only way out.

I dial the number.

"Are you sure?" The voice on the other end is calm. "Everything from your past—your identity, your records, your social media presence—will be completely erased. From that point on, you'll be someone else."

I grip the phone tighter. "I'm sure."

By the time I get back to the villa, it's already dark.

Our photos hang on the bedroom wall. Our first date, my birthday, every anniversary... In every single picture, Ryan's smile looks so tender, as if I really am his whole world.

I tear them down one by one, only ripping off my half. Let him live with these broken memories and regret it.

On the vanity sit the promise rings he gave me. I pick mine up and flush it down the toilet. Those limited edition bags, the custom jewelry—I stuff them one by one into garbage bags. These things used to be proof of his love. Now they're just a mockery.

While I'm still packing, I hear a car pull up downstairs.

I take a deep breath and head down. I have to keep up the act. Can't let him notice anything's wrong.

At the door, Ryan is helping Sophia inside. She's changed into a pale pink dress that makes her face look even more pallid. Behind them, bodyguards carry shopping bags.

"You really shouldn't have bought me so much," Sophia says sweetly. "You're spending too much."

"As long as you like it." Ryan's tone is gentler than I've ever heard it. "When a pregnant woman's happy, it's good for the baby too."

When they see me, Sophia immediately looks concerned. "Ryan, you should pay more attention to Miss Bennett too. Don't just focus on me."

I smile coldly. "Don't worry about me."

Ryan opens his mouth to say something, but Sophia rubs her eyes at just the right moment. "I'm a little tired. I'd like to rest for a bit."

"Oh, right." Ryan turns to me, his tone matter-of-fact. "I'm going to have Sophia stay here from now on. She'll take the master bedroom. You can use the guest room. Her health is important right now, and it's easier to take care of her if she's here."

Before this, no matter what, he'd never brought her home to spend the night. That was our last boundary, the only shred of dignity I had left. But now he's not even leaving me that.

Ryan helps Sophia toward the master bedroom. She glances back at me, her eyes full of naked triumph.

Their backs side by side stab at my eyes. They look like the real owners of this house, while I'm just some outsider being kept here out of charity.