Chapter 113

To ensure I didn't miss anything, I shadowed Chase for the past few days, observing his unrestrained behavior with Nicole. It seemed he channeled his resentment toward me into their relationship. They were inseparable—frequenting the garage, attending movies. But tonight surpassed all previous encounters. Nicole, oblivious to everyone else, followed him back to our marital home. However, they didn't enter.

Despite the falling sleet, their spirits remained high. Chase parked in front of the sculpture—a cozy interior contrasted sharply with the blizzard raging outside. He gazed at the statue, an unsettling likeness of me. This location was clearly chosen as a deliberate act of provocation and revenge.

"Amanda, watch this," he declared. "I don't need you to be happy."

From outside the window, I saw Nicole's pale fingers gripping the car window, her face flushed. She taunted, "Amanda, I've won." The moment I lost my life, I lost everything. Even if Nicole had won, her victory felt fleeting. Watching their clandestine affair, I sensed Chase's end would be no better than mine. Even if Nicole truly loved him, being loved by such a venomous person was hardly a blessing.

I looked up at the swirling snow, heavier than usual this year. Clear days were scarce, and the holidays loomed. The inability to celebrate New Year's stung.

On New Year's Day, Chase was at the Kennedys' for dinner. Mom, usually so cheerful, looked much thinner. My brother pushed a rib onto her plate. "Mom, you've looked down lately. Eat up."

Mom murmured, "It's New Year's Day. Why isn't your sister home yet? Being upset is one thing, but this is excessive."

She turned to Chase. "Chase, it's been ages. Haven't you found Amanda yet?"

Chase's face darkened. "I've given up."

Mom put down her cutlery. "Given up? You and Amanda were childhood sweethearts. How can you just give up like that?"

"Mom, let it go," he snapped.

"Why shouldn't I ask? Amanda's been missing for over a month, and you won't even let me call the police."

Chase barely controlled his anger. "She's probably enjoying herself and has likely forgotten all about us."

My brother intervened. "Alright, knock it off. Chase is already on edge. When Amanda's back, we can take a new family photo."

Our family photo hung in the living room; since Chase and I weren't married, he wasn't in it. Dad attempted to smooth things over, assuring them they would find me eventually.

Just then, the doorbell rang. It was the Hammonds, laden with bags. They were expressing gratitude to my father and Chase for their daughter's well-being.

Mr. Hammond said, "Mr. Kennedy, my daughter truly owes you both. She wasn't well mentally, and we haven't been able to visit until now. Please forgive us. Ann, have you thanked Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Reyes?"

Ann looked healthier than at Shadowmoor. She began, "Thank you, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Reyes. If it hadn't been for you, I don't know..."

Her words trailed off, her gaze settling on our family photo. When her eyes found mine in the picture, Ann's smile vanished. She...

Chapter 114