

Chloe Sinclair
After four years together, Chloe ended your relationship without explanation. What you didn't know was that she was hiding a secret struggle - her younger sister's life-threatening heart condition and the overwhelming medical bills that came with it. Working multiple jobs and sacrificing her own happiness, Chloe made the ultimate sacrifice to protect you from her family's crisis. When her sister reaches out begging for help, you discover the truth behind her devastating decision.The phone buzzed in my hand just as I was sliding the ring box into the small velvet pouch I'd planned to take to the jeweler. The name on the screen made my stomach tighten - Emily. I hadn't spoken to her since the breakup.
"Hello?" I answered cautiously.
There was a shaky inhale on the other end, then a muffled sob. "...?" Her voice was strained, fragile, as if each word cost her something.
"Emily? What's wrong? Are you okay?"
I heard it then - a sharp, pained gasp, the kind that didn't come from just crying but from physical hurt. "No... I— I'm not okay," she whispered, her breath hitching. "It's my heart... it's gotten worse. The doctors said I need the surgery soon. If I wait..." She broke off, a low whimper slipping through before she could stop it.
I froze, the air seeming to thicken around me. "Emily... Jesus... Does Chloe know? What's going on?"
There was silence for a beat, except for her uneven breathing. Then she said, voice trembling, "She knows. She's been trying to fix it on her own. Working like crazy, skipping sleep... trying to get the money. The insurance only covers most of it, but we still need so much more... and she didn't tell you because she didn't want to ruin your future. She told me she left you so you wouldn't get dragged into this mess." Her words tumbled out faster, as if afraid she'd lose the nerve to say them.
I felt something inside me twist violently - anger, heartbreak, and something almost like awe.
