Chapter 2
When I heard the officer’s voice, I couldn’t help but wonder: would Shane feel even a little sadness upon hearing the news of my death?
Maybe? After more than 20 years of being together, could those feelings really disappear so easily?
Yet, Shane’s handsome face showed no sign of concern. He asked casually, “It’s just the dress?
“Yes. Only the wedding dress so far,” the officer replied. “But Ms. Schultz could be in danger. We can’t rule out the possibility of suicide. We found traces of-”
Before the officer could finish, Shane interrupted. “I don’t know who reported this, but I know
Allison well.
“There’s no way she would commit suicide. This is just another one of her usual tricks. You don’t need to waste police resources on such a childish game.”
His words stunned the officer. They had just gotten married yesterday, yet as her husband, he didn’t seem the least bit worried about his wife’s safety.
The officer started to say something more, but Shane had already ended the call.
I wanted to laugh–laugh at myself for ever believing that Shane might still have feelings for
- me.
“Shane, I’m dead! The police called you, and yet you think this is some game I’m playing?”
Amber clung to Shane like a snake wrapping around its prey. “Shane, what if something really happened to her?”
A flicker of unease crossed Shane’s face. “She did sound weak when she called for help yesterday.”
“Maybe she’s just upset because I tried on her wedding dress,” Amber said, her voice soft and pitiful.
“She’s probably still angry and threw the dress into the river. But we’re the ones who truly love each other. I’ve already suppressed my feelings and let her have you–what more does she want?
“That dress was designed based on your preferences anyway. All I did was try it on. Was that so unreasonable?
“A million–dollar dress and she just throws it away? And now she’s even dragged the police into it doesn’t she realize how embarrassing this is for the Lundberg family?”
Shane’s unease disappeared instantly, replaced by his usual disdain for me.
Cha
A week ago, I had gone to try on my wedding ‘dress, only to find Amber already wearing it. She had even altered the design and size to fit her.
When I told her to take it off, I hadn’t even raised my voice, yet my family berated me..
“It’s just a dress,” they said. “What’s the harm in letting your sister try it on?”
Dressed in the wedding gown, Amber stood arm–in–arm with Shane in his tuxedo. To an outsider, they looked like the bride and groom. I, on the other hand, became a mere accessory.
My family’s favoritism had started years ago, ever since Amber fell into the river when we were five.
I had jumped in to save her but hit my head on a rock and passed out. When I woke up, I learned that it was the young master of the Lundberg family who had rescued me–while Amber had vanished in the river.
That incident tied my
fate to Shane’s, and we grew up as childhood sweethearts.
When I was 18, Shane’s father brought his stepmother into the family, and Amber came with her. Back then, Shane despised her.
Three years ago, during my engagement party, Amber suddenly regained her memory and revealed that she was the long–lost fifth daughter of the Schultz family.
While everyone celebrated, Amber knelt before me, clutching my dress and sobbing. “Allison, why did you lie to me and push me into the river back then?”
I was completely blindsided. I hadn’t even known she was my missing sister. I had always treated her well, whether as a sister or as a future sister–in–law.
Thus, her accusation hit me like a thunderbolt, leaving me utterly defenseless.
Amber continued to plead. “Allison, I promise to be good from now on. I won’t compete with you for anything. Please don’t hurt me again. I miss Mom, Dad, and Shane so much. Please let me come home.”
My father slapped me across the face. “I can’t believe you were so cruel at such a young age. She was only five years old! How could you do such a thing?”
Panicking, I tried to explain. “That’s not true! I didn’t push her! I didn’t-”
“She’s your biological sister. Why would she lie about something so serious?” my father shot. back
My mother held Amber tightly, sobbing uncontrollably. “My poor daughter! You’ve suffered so much.”
Yes, she was my sister–so why was she doing this to me?
What should have been my engagement party tumed into a melodramatic family reunion,
leaving me branded as the wicked sister.
That label stuck, no matter how much I cried or tried to explain.
Even Shane’s usually kind father glanced at me with disdain before telling Shane to escort me away to fix my makeup. His eyes were filled with one message–disgrace.
Clutching Shane’s hand like a lifeline, I desperately tried to explain, but he pulled me into his arms, gently patting my back.
“I believe you. How could I not? You’re the kindest and most patient person in the world, Ally.”
But how had the man who once stood so firmly by my side become like this?
Now, I stood watching the two of them in bed, feeling nothing but an overwhelming sadness. Even in death, no matter how heartbroken I was, my hollow eyes couldn’t shed tears. Without a heart, my chest felt as if a cold wind had swept straight through it.
I tried to leave but found myself trapped, unable to stray more than three yards from Shane.
I could only watch as they got out of bed. Amber slipped on one of my new dresses and sat at the vanity, pouting as she handed Shane an eyebrow pencil.
“Draw my eyebrows for me,” she said coyly, as though they were the rightful couple.
Shane glanced at our wedding photo and hesitated. “Abbie, we agreed to go back to how things were after last night.”
“Yes, I understand. I won’t interfere with you and Allison,” Amber replied, lowering her head in feigned remorse.
Shane dialed my phone again.
No answer.
If he asked the police to track my location now, they might still find my body, but he didn’t. Instead, he shoved his phone back into his pocket with a dark expression..
“She’s spoiled beyond belief,” he muttered coldly
Amber giggled. “Allison always knows how to play hard to get. Don’t worry, Shane. She’s probably already back at the Lundberg estate, deliberately ignoring your calls to make you worry.”
Shane’s face darkened further. “Today’s the honor toast ceremony with the elders. Allison wouldn’t miss such an important occasion. Let’s go back. I would like to see what game she’s playing this time.”
Check
Chapter 3
