Chapter 1The Girl in the Photo

I was scrolling through Reddit when I saw a photo of myself.

The caption read: [Title: My online girlfriend of one year refuses to meet me. What should I do?]

The next second, my roommate suddenly leaned in close: "Guys, how can I lose 30 pounds in a month?"

While I was still confused, she added: "Lily, if I lose weight, do you think we'd look alike?"

* * *

I stared at the Reddit post.

The comments had already piled up into a skyscraper.

[Bro, wake up. That's definitely a catfish using a stolen photo. You're being scammed!]

[She won't meet you because the photos are probably edited beyond recognition. Why else would she be scared?]

The OP was still desperately defending her: [Impossible. We've voice chatted, and she sends me selfies from different angles every day. It can't be Photoshop!]

My mind went blank.

In that photo, I was wearing my pajamas. There was no way that photo should be public.

Just then, Bella's voice floated down from the top bunk: "Guys, seriously, is it possible to lose 30 pounds in a month?"

Another roommate on the opposite bed rolled over laughing. "Why? Are you in love? Losing 30 pounds in a month? You might as well starve to death!"

Bella ignored her.

She climbed down the ladder and ran over to me.

Her gaze fixed straight on my face, scanning my features inch by inch.

I was creeped out by her staring and took a step back.

Suddenly, she spoke: "Lily, be honest. "If I lose weight, do you think we'd look somewhat alike?"

The air froze.

I looked up at her round cheeks, words stuck in my throat.