"Osborne, do you really think I wouldn't divorce you for behaving so recklessly? Don't be so filthy-hearted. Brad and I are totally innocent. I'm just fulfilling Brad's wishes, you know? Also, don't assume that bringing someone random here will make me jealous or unhappy. You're overestimating yourself."
"Do you really think I'd joke about Grandma's life or use it as a bargaining chip?"
I knew this wasn't the time to argue with Chloe, so I tried to speak in a calm tone.
Chloe hesitated, seemingly persuaded by my words.
Seeing this, I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
From nearby, Brad's voice came. "Chloe, don't say that. I don't want you two fighting over me. Let's just go back. Even though it's my last wish, I won't regret not seeing the sunrise with you."
"No, I promised you, and I will keep that promise!"
Chloe was wavering, but after Brad's words, she ended the call abruptly.
I gave a bleak smile, ignoring the sympathetic looks from the nurses, and stumbled into the hospital room.
"Osborne, has Chloe come back yet?"
Grandma looked up at me with cloudy eyes filled with spirit and hope.
"Grandma, she's busy and can't come back for now, but she'll be back by tomorrow at the latest. Just hold on a little longer," I said, holding back tears.
Just then, the phone rang with a message.
It was from Brad's number.
The message showed Chloe and Brad snuggled together, deeply in love.
And a taunting message: [You're just a substitute while I'm away!]
Indeed, I was just a substitute.
Brad and Chloe had been childhood sweethearts, long blessed by others to be together for life.
However, during their freshman year of college, Brad suddenly went abroad without a word, leaving Chloe entirely in the dark.
He vanished abruptly from her life, leaving her heartbroken and devastated.
Meanwhile, I, having been Chloe's devoted admirer since high school, remained steadfast by her side. I offered unwavering support throughout her college years, and it wasn't until after graduation that we finally started dating.
Years passed, and after confirming that Brad had disappeared for good, Chloe, in her despair, agreed to marry me.
The first year of our marriage was relatively harmonious.
I cared for her wholeheartedly, and it seemed our affection was quite strong.
It looked like she had forgotten Brad entirely.
However, she always found excuses to avoid having a child that was indeed ours.