Chapter 105

My mother quickly enveloped Nicole in a warm embrace, soothing her, while my father patiently reassured her of his belief in her innocence. Chase, surprisingly silent, simply suggested we leave.

Honestly, I couldn't stand Nicole's feigned innocence. Leaning toward my grandmother, I whispered, "Grandma, I'm stepping out for a bit. I'll be back soon." She gave me her familiar worried look, the same one she'd given me as a child whenever I left the house. To our elders, we were always children, regardless of age. Even now, in death, safe from harm, she still worried.

I remembered the early days after my death: a whirlwind of resentment, anger, and bitterness, especially seeing my family so friendly with my killer, while my disappearance barely registered with them. I had endured immense resentment and pain. But now, a certain peace settled in my heart, knowing some still cared. Turns out, I had been loved.

With that thought, I noticed my body fading further, my fingers nearly translucent. Perhaps letting go of negativity was the only way to truly move on. With a lighter heart, I followed Chase as he caught up with Derek.

"Derek, did you do it?"

Derek, sliding into his car, met Chase's gaze with icy eyes. "What are you talking about?"

"You hid Amanda, didn't you? Only you could pull that off. Derek, I'm begging you, give her back. I swear I'll treat her right this time. I won't hurt her again."

Derek chuckled, producing a photograph. "So, this is your idea of treating her right?"

The photo showed Nicole on his lap, locked in a passionate kiss. It was from the night Nicole initiated her seduction, a night I'd noticed someone taking pictures. I never suspected Derek.

Chase was stunned. "Derek, let me explain..."

Derek's laugh sent a shiver through me. "Explain? Oh, I'd love to hear this. Your bride goes missing, and instead of looking for her, you're with her sister in your honeymoon suite. Bravo, Chase."

"I just… I got confused, okay? I thought she was Amanda, I…"

Derek flung a pile of photos at Chase's face. "Shut up. Just looking at you makes me sick. If anything happens to Amanda, you and that vile woman are going down together!"

He slammed the car door, and I overheard him say, "Jack, check that orchid. See if anyone's tampered with it." "Yes, Mr. Reyes. You think Nicole's behind this?" "I have a feeling she…"

I tried to listen further, but being too far from Chase, I felt myself being pulled back. Without a connection to me, I couldn't remain near Derek.

Chase was on the ground, frantically gathering the scattered photographs. Each one was undeniable proof of his and Nicole's affair.

Chapter 106