Chapter 5

Rhea's Pov

He lifted my body with such care, as if I were made of glass and might break if held too tightly. Not a single trace of the powerful, untouchable CEO remained, only a man cradling something precious he couldn’t save.

I followed, unwillingly, heart cracking more with every step. He walked through the chaos, past the lights still spelling out Happy Birthday Ginny, past the curious stares and gasps. He didn’t care. He carried me like I was his everything.

But then, the scene changed and what I saw next was Kevin and Ginny, having dinner in a hotel. Kevin was feeding Ginny cake, and she was smiling, laughing her heart out innocently like she wasn't the one who sent someone to kill me.

“Do you… Do you think Rhea saw the drones? She wouldn't be angry, would she? After all, she's going to meet the stalker in my place, I'm worried…” Ginny trailed off, her head lowered.

“You don't have to worry about her, it's the least that she can do to help you. Ginny, you're too nice and that's why Rhea always trampled on you.”

“But… She's my sister and I should be able to do anything for her, and give her anything. It… It doesn't matter if she bullies me or not… Even though she clearly knows that I liked you first, she still went ahead to pursue you and warned me to give up on you and but I… I still really like you but I have to marry that crippled. Kevin, what should I do? I really don't want to marry him, I'm so scared.” Ginny started crying.

Ginny liked Kevin first? She never said anything like that! I had liked him since we were in high school! I was the one who liked him first!

“I’m so scared.” Ginny whimpered again, cradling her face in her hands, “He’s cruel, Kevin. You know what they say about the crippled son of the Vale's. If I marry him, I’ll be ruined.”

Kevin’s jaw tightened. He reached over and pulled her into his chest, stroking her hair gently like she was made of porcelain, “I won’t let that happen, Ginny. I promise. Once the marriage goes through and the Vale’s transfer the shares, I’ll find a way to annul it. You’ll be free. We’ll be free.”

Ginny sniffled and looked up, eyes glassy with carefully crafted innocence, “You really mean it?”

Kevin nodded, smiling down at her, “Of course. And then, we’ll go far away, just you and me.”

I felt like I was suffocating. Ginny had always acted so soft, so fragile. Like she couldn’t hurt a fly. But this? This was murder wrapped in a bow of innocence and crocodile tears.

“I was going to tell you something today.” Kevin said, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a small, velvet box, “I wanted to propose to you properly. After she did her part and met that stalker in your place. It was the perfect plan.”

Ginny gasped softly, cupping her mouth with trembling fingers, “Kevin…”

He opened the box. A delicate diamond ring sparkled inside, cold and mocking.

“I love you, Ginny.” He whispered as he put the ring on her finger.

“Oh!” Ginny cried out loud, hugging him, “I love you too!” The both of them hugged, tears rolling down Ginny's cheeks, afterwards, Kevin's phone rang, it was his mother.

“Mom.” He greeted, smiling but then, his smile turned into a frown, “What do you mean she hasn't donated the bone marrow? That crazy woman is being so difficult again. Hold on, let me call her.”

Kevin immediately dialed my number but the phone rang and rang multiple times, it went unanswered. I stared at him in silence. Of course no one was going to answer because I was dead.

Kevin threw the phone down in frustration, “She’s ignoring me now? Playing disappearing games?”

Ginny reached out and gently touched his arm, “It’s okay. Sister used to do this a lot before. She always comes back after a day or two. Don’t worry.”

Kevin patted her head affectionately, “You’re so understanding, the opposite of Rhea. I hoped she could be like you, unfortunately…”

I felt sick watching them.

Ginny leaned into him with a soft voice, “I think I had too much wine... my head’s spinning. Can we stay in your room tonight? I always want to go in.”

Kevin hesitated at first. Then nodded.

I clenched my fists. So they were going to sleep together? I didn’t want to watch, but my spirit followed them anyway, drawn like a moth to fire. I floated into the hotel room, watching as Ginny half-undressed and wrapped her arms around Kevin.

Then, suddenly, his phone rang again.

With a sigh of annoyance, Kevin picked up, “What do you want?! The police station? A body? What the fuck are you talking about?!” Kevin yelled, his body jerking upright.

Ginny looked up at him, “What’s wrong?”

Kevin’s face turned pale, “No… no way. She can’t be dead. The police said that… Rhea was killed at the park a few minutes ago, she's dead.”

"W... What?"