The Ghost Replaced My Life

The moment I got the test results, I snapped a photo and texted it to Sloane, telling her about the tumor in my brain.
I waited a long time on a bench in the crowded hospital lobby before she finally replied. Her tone was dripping with disdain:
You couldn't even fake a normal diagnosis, could you? Are we playing some kind of amnesia game, Rhys?
I froze. Before I could reply, another message flashed on my screen, cutting me off:
"Fine. I know what you want. But honestly? You deserve whatever is happening to you!"
She hung up, leaving me with the blaring, sterile tone of a disconnect.
I managed a bitter, hollow laugh. Tightly gripping my phone to steady the tremor in my right hand, I clicked back onto the trending topic.
1
#ActressSloaneGarrityNewRomanceExposed
Sloane and I had been secretly married for two years, and in all that time, wed never once been husband and wife in the true sense.
Yet, this news story claimed Sloane and her new boyfriend were photographed holding hands and checking into the same boutique hotel.
In the comments, her fan base was ecstatic, celebrating that Sloane had finally moved past the cloud of grief over her late ex-boyfriend.
A clear photo of the new boyfriend, Kian Abbott, was quickly dug up. He was a college senior, and that handsome, vibrant face was strikingly similar to the man Sloane had never stopped mourning.
Sloanes critics immediately jumped on it, savagely attacking her for playing the 'replacement lover' trope.
Normally, Sloane would personally shut down even a minor actor trying to use her name for clout, but today, she remained silent all morning.
Once his personal details were exposed, Kianeager to protect his girlfriendrushed to post a very public statement:
I was the one who fell for her first. I pursued her. If you have a problem, direct it at me!
Kians post pushed the narrative to an absolute fever pitch.
But even with the scandal at a boiling point, Sloane hadn't contacted me, not once.
I scrolled through Kian's comments, watching him tear into the haters, and a constant, aching soreness welled up in my nose and throat.
Six years of loving Sloane, and in this moment, it felt like the punchline to a cruel joke.
I couldnt stop the memory from flashing back: the year Sloane was at her lowest, I, too, had stood up and declared just as fiercely and fearlessly:
"Sloane Garrity is my woman!"
But Sloane, what am I supposed to do now? Because suddenly, I think I regret everything.
2
I had finished an entire carton of cigarettes by the time Kian walked unchallenged into the house Sloane and I sharedthe house protected by layers of security.
He was clearly pleased by the shock and agony he saw etched on my face.
Under my icy, furious stare, Kian made himself comfortable on the sectional opposite me, just like the man of the house.
Then, he delivered the cheap, tired line of every mistress:
Rhys, the unloved one is the outsider. If Sloane loved you, why would she never let anyone know you even exist?
You should just do the decent thing, divorce her, and clear out now.
I looked at his triumphant expression and sneered, countering his confident bluff:
Sloane loves you so much, yet she never mentioned that youre standing in my house, on my property, did she?
Kians face went white for a fraction of a second. He was about to say something else when the front door swung open and Sloane walked in.
Kian immediately shot up from the sofa as if hed been electrocuted, his expression melting into a mix of fear and wounded innocence.
I was just looking around the house, Sis. I
Sloane stopped short. Her cold gaze flickered across my face for a moment, then, seeing Kian, it instantly warmed, melting away like winter ice.
Kian, I thought I told you to wait for me?
Her tone held a hint of scolding, but her face was alight with a gentle smile I had never once seen directed at me.
Kian dutifully walked to her side, his young, unweathered eyes holding a look of unconcealed accusation.
Sloane seemed to understand without words. She turned her fury on me.
Rhys, Kian is just a student. Do you really have to bring your corporate cynicism and threats into this?
Kian clearly reveled in Sloanes fierce protection. He rested his chin on her shoulder, rubbing against her like a needy puppy, a stream of low, spoiled murmurs escaping his lips.
I clenched my fists. In two years of marriage, Sloane and I had never shared a moment of such raw intimacy.
Kian sensed my restraint. The challenge in his eyes sharpened, and right there, in front of me, he lightly pecked Sloane on her soft, rosy lips.
Seeing that, I felt my blood rush to my head, a violent, overwhelming surge.
I couldnt hold back anymore. I lunged forward and slammed my fist into him with all my strength.
Kian didnt fight or dodge. He let the momentum take him, sprawling dramatically onto the floor. He looked up at Sloane with a pitiful, wounded expression. Sis, does Rhys hit you like this, too?
Sloanes heart was clearly breaking for him. She helped Kian up and shielded him behind her, turning a gaze on me that was cold as a glacier.
Rhys, since you find Kian so intolerable, then you can get out and move somewhere else!
I almost thought Id misheard.
My wife had brazenly brought her lover into our home, and she was demanding that I vacate the premises for them?
It felt like a tidal wave was crashing through my brain. I swayed, barely catching myself on a nearby chair.
Kian tugged gently on Sloanes arm, feigning concern. Sis, Rhys looks unwell. Maybe you should check on him.
Sloanes frown deepened. She gave a sharp, cold snort.
Dont bother. Hes just putting on a show for sympathy.
Hes nearly thirty and still using these pathetic, childish tactics! Stop looking at me like that. Your fake sincerity is repulsive. And even if I bring Kian home, so what? I refuse to believe you haven't been sleeping around behind my back!
With that, she disregarded me completelyme, who was struggling to stand upright and clutch the searing pain in my head. She took Kians hand and led him upstairs.
As Kian stepped onto the first stair, he twisted around to give me a look of pure mockery and triumph.
Watching their intimate retreat, I swallowed the words of protest and desperate appeal that had been building in my throat.
How pathetic was I? Yet, looking at Sloanes cold, stunning face, I couldnt bring myself to utter a single word of blame.
I had been faithful for two years, never pressuring her for anything.
Then, one night, Id overheard her on the phone with a friend, joking that I must either be impotent or have a harem of mistresses.
I tried to talk to her, to explain, but each attempt was met with deeper suspicion and a casual, mocking reply: I dont mind an open marriage, Rhys.
Now, she was finally the one enjoying the 'open marriage' she had proposed.
The bedroom door on the second floor clicked shut. I could vaguely hear Kians bright, unrestrained laughter.
That sound was a set of sharp knives, twisting again and again in my already shredded heart.

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