Chapter 10 +25 BONUS After I died, Maynard spiraled. He drifted through each day in a daze, drinking nonstop and staring into nothing. The house echoed with his manic, hollow laughter. Hansen Group’s stock plummeted. Maynard was ousted from the company and eventually committed to a psychiatric facility. Derek seized the opportunity. He took over … Read more
Chapter 9 I had died, but my soul still lingered in this world. I saw Waldo’s face, smudged with dirt and tight with panic, as he turned to Derek. “Mr. Grant, where’s my mom?” When Derek made it back up the cliff alone, Waldo’s eyes darted everywhere. But he didn’t see me anywhere. Fear gripped … Read more
Chapter 8 Maynard decided to take us camping to celebrate Darlene’s birthday. My mood had been stable lately, so Maynard broke his usual rule and brought me along. That was the day Darlene led me up to the summit. I had seen this moment coming. Maynard had been ignoring her because of me. With Darlene’s … Read more
Chapter 7 One night, I was jolted awake by a loud argument outside my door. “Maynard, Patricia is in deep depression and could try to kill herself at any moment. If you don’t get her treatment and just lock her away in that dark room, she’s going to lose her mind.” It was Derek’s voice. … Read more
Chapter 6 Maybe Maynard thought I would get bored being locked in alone, because he started sending Waldo to keep me company. Waldo’s attitude had completely shifted. He brought all his toys and snacks into my room like he was trying to win me over. He said, “Mom, this is my favorite cake. I saved … Read more
Chapter 5 Maybe fate was just mocking me. Instead of landing on the pitchfork, I fell into the bushes. The impact was cushioned, and somehow, I survived. They rushed me to the hospital, and I was brought back from the edge. After several suicide attempts and a signed diagnosis confirming severe depression, Maynard finally believed … Read more
Chapter 4 Author: Stars I turned around and there he was again—Derek. The same man who had stopped me from dying, over and over. He collapsed onto the ground, pale and gasping for air. It was as if pulling me back had drained whatever strength he had left. “Why is it always you?” I snapped, frowning. … Read more
Chapter 3 Author: Stars I pushed open the front door of the villa. Darlene was leaning lazily against Maynard’s shoulder. She looked smug as he massaged her neck with practiced ease. Waldo was curled up next to her, sweetly calling her “Ms. Thompson”. The whole room was glowing with sickening, rosy warmth. The spots where my … Read more
Chapter 2 Author: Stars The stomach pumping nearly killed me. I sank into the hospital bed, numb and motionless. My eyes were empty as I stared at the ceiling. Derek stood by my bedside, breathing hard as he tried to steady himself. Blood still dripped from the raw wound on his hand, where I had bitten … Read more
Chapter 1 Author: Stars I had been married to Maynard Hansen for three years. But when life was hanging by a thread, he didn’t hesitate. He chose his childhood sweetheart. Maynard carefully carried Darlene Thompson, soaked from head to toe, onto the last lifeboat. His eyes shimmered with a pain he couldn’t hide. My five-year-old son, … Read more