Chapter 4

I followed him upstairs, feeling bored.

It wasn’t until I saw him pull out a key that I was genuinely surprised.

Then I remembered—I had given him that key myself.

I don’t quite recall why.

For some reason, my memories felt hazy, like a fog had started to cloud the details of things I once knew clearly.

I watched as he entered, and I followed, curious.

It had been a while since I’d last stayed here.

My workplace was far from here, and since they provided food and lodging, I had moved out to stay there.

The man seemed surprised by the state of the place. I could tell from the look on his face.

The furniture had gathered a fine layer of dust from my long absence.

Nigel searched the small apartment restlessly but found no sign of me.

“Give it up,” I said casually, standing by the window as if this weren’t my home he was tearing through.

Suddenly, his phone rang, the sound echoing in the small, shabby room.

His expression softened as he answered, a clear sign of who was calling.

“Nigel, where are you? The wedding is about to start.”

Jessica’s voice came through the phone, as sweet and delicate as always.

Nigel’s tone turned gentle. “I’ll be back soon. I’m just handling something.”

“Okay,” she responded, completely oblivious, her voice dripping with fake concern. “Is Sam alright? I hope she’ll come to my wedding. I really want her blessing.”

Nigel’s face stiffened at her words, but he still coaxed her softly. “I’ll make sure she’s there. Just focus on getting ready. I’ll call you later.”

“Okay,” Jessica replied, sounding pleased. “See you soon, Nigel.”

“See you soon,” Nigel smiled as he answered.

I watched him with amusement, feeling nothing inside.

But I was curious about when they would discover my body.

As if on cue, Nigel’s phone rang again.

He probably thought it was Jessica calling, as he smiled and picked it up, but his face instantly darkened when he saw the caller.

With a sharp eye, I caught a glimpse of the familiar name—Samantha.

My name.

“You’ve got the nerve to call me? Jes’s wedding is about to start, where the hell are you?” He snapped, uncharacteristically agitated.

There was silence on the other end for a moment, then a calm male voice spoke.

“Is this Samantha’s brother? There’s been a murder, and the victim is Samantha. Please come to the station to identify the body.”