But suddenly, Greg’s smug expression shifted — his smirk faltered, his face twisting into shock and anger. His eyes locked on something behind me.

“I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS!” he screamed.

I turned, my heart pounding. Maggie stood beside me—healthy, strong, her once-frail body now filled out, her coat shining in the sunlight.

Greg’s face twisted in disbelief. “That’s impossible,” he muttered. “She was dying.”

I met his eyes. “Love does that. It heals.”

Maggie wagged her tail, then turned to nuzzle the leg of the man standing behind me—Daniel, the kind-eyed vet who had helped me care for her.

Greg clenched his jaw. “So that’s it? You replaced me with a dog and some guy?”

I smiled, feeling lighter than I had in years. “No, Greg. I replaced loneliness with love.”