Two more days passed. 

Zachary, reeking of alcohol, helped Nina through the door. Their unsteady steps caused them both to tumble onto the couch inside. 

In a daze, Zachary grabbed his phone and dialed a specific number. 

I glanced over and realized that he was trying to reach me. 

A cold chill spread through my body. 

The phone rang, but soon went to voicemail. Undeterred, Zachary dialed a few more times, but still no one answered. 

I let out a bitter laugh. How could I answer when I was already dead? 

Besides, my phone had been in the water tank with me. 

Zachary’s face darkened. He typed out a message and sent it to me. 

“Sarah, you should know your place. You’ve been living off me all these years. Without me, you’re nothing. You’d better show up before I lose my temper.” 

Nina looped her arm around his neck and pouted. “Zac, I want some of Sarah’s ravioli.” 

Without thinking, Zachary said, “I’ll tell her to make it for you. Consider it an apology.” 

I froze, fury and hatred rising in my chest. 

“Zachary Finch! I didn’t lay a hand on her! She framed me! And now you want me to serve her?” I screamed in frustration, but he couldn’t hear me. 

Nina whispered sweetly, “You’re so good to me, Zac. I’ll be with you forever, even if it means living in the shadows.”