Chapter 1

A trend suddenly went viral on TikTok: "How lethal is the one who got away?"

Under a massive viral clip, one top comment caught my eye.

【My current boyfriend was diagnosed with cancer. I am just relieved that he isn't him.】

I laughed, and then the tears started falling.

That comment was written by Callie, my girlfriend of seven years.

1.

"Let's break up."

I spoke softly as Callie walked through the front door carrying groceries.

With a loud thud, the paper bag slipped from her hands.

"What did you say?"

She stared at me in complete disbelief.

Throughout our seven-year relationship, she had always held all the power. Whatever she said was the absolute law.

She was the only one allowed to lose her temper, and she was the only one who ever threatened a breakup.

I had never once raised my voice, let alone asked to leave. Every single time she blew up, I was the one begging on my knees to soothe her.

All our friends knew I was completely wrapped around her finger.

Someone once even joked about it at a party. "Even if Callie hooked up with an escort, Silas wouldn't get mad. He'd probably draw her a bath."

I truly loved her, but even I had my limits.

"I said we are done."

I gripped my phone and repeated the words with a steady voice.

"Silas Mercer, I'll give you one chance to take that back. I can pretend I never heard it."

Her tone turned razor-sharp and icy.

"Callie, I have never been more serious."

It was the first time in seven years I called her by her full name.

It was also the first time I looked at her with pure indifference.

Her expression darkened in an instant.

"Fine! Look at you acting tough, daring to break up with me!"

"You think I care? End it, then! Don't flatter yourself into thinking I can't live without you!"

She kicked the grocery bag across the floor in a fit of rage.

Potatoes tumbled out, scattering all over the hardwood.

Just like the fragile remnants of our seven years together, shattered in seconds.

I knew she could live without me. After all, I had just read her comment on TikTok.

【My current boyfriend was diagnosed with cancer. I am just relieved that he isn't him.】

That single post had thousands of likes.

Countless strangers defended her boyfriend in the replies, yet she shamelessly fought back. 【You guys don't get it. He is the only man who ever truly owned my heart!】

So across seven whole years, she had never once truly loved me.