Chapter 1

A sudden car accident landed my fiancé, Beckett Pierce, in the ICU for three days. He had supposedly risked his life to save mine.

I left work early to bring him dinner, but when I reached the hospital door, I heard him talking to his childhood sweetheart, Seraphina Sterling.

"Don't worry, Sera," he said softly. "After this little performance, Natalie will love me more than ever."

"In a few weeks, I'll convince her to be your test subject. Once the trial is a success, your illness will finally be cured."

I stood in the hallway, my blood turning to ice.

It turned out that Beckett was only with me to save the woman he actually loved.

I turned around and dialed the number for a service that specialized in faking deaths.

1.

"Ms. Goodman, I understand your request," the voice on the phone said. "I must remind you that once your death is faked, all your original identity records will be erased. Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," I replied.

My voice was colder and more stable than it had ever been.

"Very well. Please come by tomorrow to sign the contract."

I hung up the phone, swallowing the bitterness as I listened to the laughter coming from inside the hospital room.

When I finally pushed the door open, the atmosphere froze instantly.

Beckett and Seraphina immediately let go of each other's hands.

"Natalie? What are you doing here so early?" Beckett asked, his voice shaking slightly.

"I was just helping Seraphina up. Don't get the wrong idea."

I forced the same smile I always wore, keeping my tone casual.

"I just got here. Work was quiet, so I brought you some dinner."

Beckett visibly relaxed, his expression melting into that familiar, fake tenderness.

"Natalie, you're already so busy at the office. You didn't have to come all this way just to feed me."

I suppressed a wave of nausea and smiled at him.

"It's no trouble at all. You're my fiancé, after all."

Then, I shifted the conversation.

"Seraphina, what brings you here today? You seem to have a lot of free time."

Seraphina glanced at Beckett, looking conflicted.

She hesitated before speaking. "I had something important to discuss with Beckett."

I tilted my head, acting confused. "What kind of thing?"

Beckett raised his hand, signaling her to be quiet.

"It's too dangerous. I won't agree to it."

Seraphina looked indignant. "But it's for your own good! It could help with your recovery..."

"Seraphina, stop it. I said no."

I frowned, pressing them for more details.

Beckett gave me a weak, reassuring smile. He told me it was nothing to worry about.

I didn't believe him for a second.

Under my constant questioning, Seraphina ignored Beckett's warnings.

"Natalie, our lab is running a trial for a new blood disorder treatment. We're in the final stages."

"If it works, Beckett's condition could be cured for good."

I let my face light up with excitement.

"That's amazing! If you get better, Beckett, we can spend the rest of our lives together."

Beckett smiled gently at me. "Natalie, about that..."

Seraphina interrupted him, her voice urgent.

"Natalie, we need a specific type of test subject for this."

"Someone with a unique constitution... someone like you."

Beckett cut her off again. "Seraphina, shut up! I won't let Natalie do something so risky."

Seraphina finally went quiet, though she looked miserable.

I had always been different; my body healed much faster than a normal person's.

Watching Beckett's display of protective concern made my skin crawl.

If I hadn't overheard their conversation earlier, I would have been completely fooled by his acting.

They both watched me closely, waiting for my reaction.

I hid my burning hatred and closed my eyes, appearing to make a monumental decision.

"I'll do it. I'll be the test subject."

As soon as the words left my mouth, I saw them both breathe a secret sigh of relief.

Beckett immediately grabbed my hand, squeezing it tight.

"Natalie, no. I can't let you put yourself in danger for me."

"I'd rather have a short time with you than risk losing you."

My eyes welled up with fake tears.

"Beckett, you saved my life in that crash. I'd do anything for you."

"Please, don't try to stop me."

Beckett sighed, looking defeated.

"I know how stubborn you are. We'll talk about it later."

I nodded softly and excused myself to go to the restroom.

Through the cracked door, I saw Seraphina throw her arms around Beckett and kiss him passionately.

A sarcastic smile touched my lips.

Beckett, I hope you like the ending of the game we're playing.