Chapter 3

The rain felt like knives lashing across my skin. The wind had been fierce.

By then, the drugs had taken effect. The pain was excruciating. It gnawed deep down into my bones.

I lay in complete darkness. I was helpless and terrified as heat escaped from my body.

It turned out that the myth was true—one relived their whole life at death's door.

The past began flashing past in my mind's eye.

Just before I lost consciousness, I saw a faint light approaching me.

Even though I couldn't see who was behind the light, it still gave me hope.

I thought that Jason had softened and had decided to bring me back.

However, all I got was a dull pain in the back of my head, and I lost consciousness completely.

…

"Bring her here immediately! And tell her to make us some food before coming here. If she tries any tricks, I'll kill her!"

Jason's fury heightened when he saw Fleur still frozen in place.

Fleur dropped to her knees and held out her hands. She was showing him a tattered piece of cloth. It was a piece of my dress.

"Mr. York, Mrs. York could really be in trouble. There was an earthquake in the backyard last night, and it seems like she fell into a fissure…" Tears streamed down Fleur's face.

Jason slapped her. The crisp sound resounded through the living room.

The poor servant's face swelled up immediately.

"Are you really still playing along with her schemes? Do you have a death wish?"

"Yeah, witch. Open your eyes. Jace is the one with power here," Jean added.

The butler, Tom Sheppard, quickly pulled Fleur aside. "Mr. York, we've found Mrs. York's body. I think you should go take a look."

Jason's eyes flared with anger. "You're in on it too?"

"Jace, could it be true? Could Chelsea really be…" Jean trailed off. Her lips trembled, and her face paled like she was shocked.

"Don't listen to them. She won't die so easily. Just stay here. I'll bring her to you," Jason said. Even though he still looked furious, there was a trace of unease in his eyes.

He followed Tom down the narrow path and through to the backyard.

The backyard was a mess due to the earthquake. There were uprooted trees littering the ground, where a large chasm had opened up.

My body lay in a makeshift shelter, covered with a white cloth. My arms were hanging limp outside the sheet. They were ghostly gray from being soaked in the rain.

There were several people gathered around my body. They looked grave. When Jason drew close, they backed away.

"Get up, Chelsea Quill! Stop this nonsense at once!

"If you come back right now and apologize to Jean, I'll allow you to stay. Our wedding can go on next month as scheduled!" he said. He was still as haughty as ever.

When I did not respond, he continued, "Jean has poor health. You know she needs extra care. If you look after her properly, I'll give you the wedding you want!"

I stood in front of him and looked at him in disappointment.

Wedding? I didn't want that anymore.

"Get up, Chelsea Quill!" Jason grew frustrated at my silence.

One of the servants, who was unable to bear it any longer, shook his head and said, "Mrs. York is dead, Mr. York. You can come over for a closer look."

Jason took a small step forward. His body swayed unsteadily.