You Chose Her, Remember?

"You did that on purpose!" Sophie stormed over and slapped me hard across the face.

I didn't move. Just took it.

"Enough," Daniel said, tugging her back. "It's your birthday. Don't get riled up."

Then he looked at me, all ice. "Clean it up. Meet me in the study after."

I knelt down, picking up shattered glass. The shards bit into my fingers—blood mixing with champagne, sharp and jarring.

Around me, guests whispered. Some looked sorry. Most didn't. The ex-Mrs. Wilson, on her knees, cleaning up the mess. Real classy entertainment.

When I finished, I headed to the study.

Daniel sat behind the desk. A small bottle sat in front of him.

"Take it," he said, pushing it toward me.

I picked it up. Birth control pills.

"Why?"

"You're not fit to have my kid." Flat. No emotion. "One a day. Don't forget."

I stared at it, a bitter laugh bubbling up.

Three years of marriage. He barely touched me. And now this?

"I said take it." Sharper this time.

I opened the cap, poured one out. The tiny white pill sat in my palm like a punchline.

"Take it. Now."

I popped it in. The bitterness hit fast.

"Water?" he asked, annoyed.

"No need." I swallowed it dry. Let the taste scorch my tongue.

"Every day," he said, waving me off. "Go. Don't ruin Sophie's mood."

I turned to leave.

"Wait."

He opened a drawer and pulled out a little blue box.

Tiffany.

"This is her birthday gift. Deliver it."

March 15th. The day I'd been dreading.

I took the box. That stupid robin's-egg blue.

"In front of everyone," Daniel added.

I gripped it tight, nails digging into my palm.

3 p.m. I told myself—just a few more hours.

Back in the living room, the party was in full swing. A five-tier cake rolled in, candlelight dancing across Sophie's smug, glowing face.

"Make a wish, Sophie," Daniel said, all soft.

She clasped her hands, eyes closed. Then smiled. "I wish to be with Daniel forever."

Applause. Someone joked, "So, Daniel—when's the wedding?"

"Soon." Daniel glanced at me, sharp and deliberate.

"Emily," he called.

I stepped forward. "Mr. Wilson asked me to give this to you. Happy birthday."

Sophie lit up, opening the box to reveal a full set of pink diamonds, glittering like betrayal.

"Oh my God, it's stunning!" She threw her arms around Daniel and kissed him right there in front of everyone.

I stood there, silent, like background noise.

"Emily?" Jenny's voice broke through. Mark's girlfriend. "Isn't today your birthday too? I swear you and Sophie have the same one."

The whole room froze.

Sophie slipped off Daniel's arm, smirking. "Seriously? What are the odds?"

"It's not a coincidence," I said, calm and clear. "I don't have a birthday."

Jenny blinked. "Wait—what? How can you not—?"

"Dead people," I said, locking eyes with Daniel, "don't celebrate birthdays."

Then I turned and walked out.