Chapter 10 She Knows Full Well That I Am Already Dead After Carter left, Luke lingered by the cold, empty riverside, staring at his phone.
The screen flickered with notifications, but none were from me.
He was probably thinking about the past.
Id noticed long ago how his attitude toward Anna had shifted, and it upset me more than I liked to admit.
But each time, after my anger flared, Id wonder if I was being petty.
Anna was his stepsister, after all.
There was nothing wrong with him being kind to her.
So, I taught myself to overlook it, constantly doubting my feelings, convincing myself I shouldnt let small issues disrupt the fragile peace between our families.
I was always the one to make up with him.
It had been 24 hours since my last message.
Id been missing for a whole day.
With a frustrated grunt, Luke tossed a stone into the river.
Splash.
Go ahead, throw your tantrum.

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Lets see how long you last this time, he muttered, his voice cutting through the quiet.
I stood beside him, a bitter smile on my face.
Even at my worst, I never stayed away more than three days.
He thought he had me figured out, certain Id never cause any real trouble.
I watched his handsome face, now clouded with frustration, and my mind drifted back to when we were 12.
At summer camp, during that terrible rainstorm, I got trapped on the mountain.
Luke risked a landslide to come find me.
Id sobbed when I finally threw myself into his muddy arms, terrified something couldve happened to him because of me.
He just smiled, even covered in dirt.
I couldnt leave you up here.
The thought of you being scared made me want to grow wings and fly to you.
Back then, I didnt understand love.
All I knew was his embrace was warm, and I wanted him to protect me forever.
Now, even though this mess was his fault, he felt no guilt.
He thought I was the one being unreasonable.
Once someones heart changes, even their breathing feels like an offense.
By the fourth day after my death, Luke finally started to panic.
He opened our chat thread, staring at the last voice message hed sent.
My phone was still off.
Mr.
Bolton, your coffee.
Roy placed a cup on the desk, hoping to snap him out of it.
Luke hadnt realized hed been staring at his phone for half an hour.
Four days.
Even if Chloe was furious, she shouldve cooled off by now.
He stood abruptly, grabbed his coat, and headed for the door.
Mr.
Bolton, you have an important meeting coming up, Roy reminded him.
Reschedule it.
Luke didnt even glance back.
He drove straight into the city and found Megan Gardner.
Ms.
Gardner, someones here to see you, a colleague called out.
Megan hurried over, her face hardening when she saw Luke.
Shed been my best friend since high school, forced into teaching by her parents, but always on my side.
She understood my pain and barely contained her contempt.
What do you want? Chloes with you, right? Luke snapped.
Tell her to stop this ridiculous scene.
Its embarrassing for everyone.
Megans eyes narrowed, her voice cold.
What the hell are you talking about, Luke? Are you delusional? You were the one who ditched her at the wedding.
She had to apologize to everyone.
Whos causing the scene here? Megans words hit Luke hard, making his face darken.
I dont owe you an explanation.
Just call her and tell her to come home! It was only then that Megan realized I hadnt been home for days.
She didnt waste time cursing Luke and instead asked, Chloe hasnt come home? Dont play dumb.
Youre her best friend.
Every time we fight, she runs to you, Luke said, his tone sharp.
It was trueMegan was my closest confidant.
I couldnt open up to anyone else but her.
Thats why Luke assumed Id been with her this whole time.
Megans expression shifted.
What the hell are you saying? My grandmothers dying.
I went back to my hometown after the wedding and just got back today.
What happened to Chloe? Did you piss her off again, you jerk? Luke stared at her tired, bloodshot eyes, the dark circles beneath them, her chapped lips.
It was obvious she hadnt slept for daysshe wasnt lying.
Chloe hadnt been with her.
So where had she been for the past few days? Luke turned and stormed off, but Megans voice chased after him.
Luke, if somethings happened to Chloe, I wont let you off the hook! I reached out, wanting to brush the stray hair from Megans face, but my hand passed right through her.
I sighed helplessly.
Megan, Im sorry I didnt keep my promise.
You have to be happy.
I couldnt touch her anymore.
Shed never hear my voice again.
Suddenly, I was yanked away, pulled back to Lukes side as he answered a phone call while driving.
When he hung up, his face looked grim.
He dialed Roy.
Roy, look into Chloe for me I let out a bitter laugh.
The man Id loved for years was only now, on day four of my disappearance, starting to care.
By now, my body was probably starting to rot.
Before Luke could finish the call, Anna flung open the car door and threw herself at him.
Luke! Whyve you been avoiding me these last two days? she whined, pouting like she was the one whod been wronged.
Luke, not wanting their relationship to be exposed, hung up on Roy.
He seemed exhausted, too drained to deal with Anna.
Anna, Ive got a meeting.
If its not urgent, I need to head back to the office.
She clung to his arm, refusing to let go.
But Luke, my art exhibit opens today! Arent you going to support me? It was like he finally snapped out of his fog.
Hed been so absorbed in work these past few days that he not only ignored Chloes disappearance but also forgot about Annas art show, which shed been preparing for over a year.
Thats my bad.
Lets go.
I glanced at the phone hed tossed aside and gave a bitter smile.
So many years wasted on the wrong man.
Annas art exhibit was at the Lagoon Gallerythe very place Id always dreamed of showing my own work.
Ever since we were kids, Anna and I had both loved to paint.
My father, Tyler Sander, had even arranged for us to be mentored by the former dean of Centria University of Art & Design.
The dean always said I was the most talented student hed ever taught.
But in a family like mine, painting was just a hobby.
My parents wanted us to focus on business, to either run the Sanders family company or, when we got married, be supportive wivesnot airheaded artists.
Id spent years painting in private, hoping one day Id have time to open my own gallery.
But that dream died with me.
Now, Anna was living it out.
She and I were always different.
When my parents found her after years of searching, they spoiled her endlessly.
If she wanted the stars, theyd try to pull them from the sky.
She never had to bear any real responsibility.
I followed Luke and Anna into the gallery, feeling a knot of bitterness in my chest.
Id died so suddenly, with so much left undone.
Inside, I heard the crowds murmurs of admiration.
Ms.
Sanders work is extraordinary.
Shes so gifted.
Shes truly blessed with talent.
This Lotus Dreamscape is just breathtaking.
Lotus Dreamscape? I looked upand my blood froze.
The painting in front of me was mine.
I scanned the gallery, my heart sinking further.
It wasnt just that one.
Several piecesmy pieces, from the basement studiowere scattered around the room.
Anna had stolen my work and passed it off as her own.
How could she? She wouldnt have dared unless she knew for sure I was dead.
It was her.
She mustve been the one who hired someone to kill me.