The sound of rain tapping against the hospital windows was steady, almost hypnotic. Rosemary stood outside Casandra’s room, her reflection wavering in the glass as her chest rose and fell with uneven breaths.

Inside, she could see Adrian sitting beside Casandra’s bed, his hand gently holding hers. The dim hospital light softened his features, but to Rosemary, it looked like the world had turned upside down.

Her heart twisted painfully. That should be me beside him. Not her.

She closed her eyes, fighting the heat of tears. But the more she tried to calm herself, the clearer her doubts became. Something didn’t add up.

Casandra’s “tumor,” the perfect timing of...