Emerie knew no miracle would come this time.
The doctor warned her condition could cause sudden fainting or blindness without treatment.
But she’d decided against treatment.
She dialed Andrew’s number.
He answered instantly, “Yeah?”
“It’s me,” Emerie said.
He scoffed, “Changed numbers again? What do you want?”
Her nails dug into her palm. “Just one question: Why did you suddenly break up with me three years ago?”
“Emerie, is this really worth obsessing over?” Andrew’s voice dripped with irritation. “Don’t bother me if it’s noth- ing.”
He hung up.
Emerie gave a bitter smile, her eyes falling on the voluntary palliative care agreement.
The Sunset Care Center evaluator asked, “Absolutely certain?”
She nodded. “Certain.”
Signed. Fingerprinted.
Under personal wishes, she wrote: Hope Andrew attends my memorial service.
That same day, fate played its cruel joke–Emerie saw Andrew holding his current girlfriend during a hospital check-
- up.
He murmured tenderly, “After this appointment, let’s finalize our wedding plans.”
“Mr. Williams, I’ve checked the dates. That day’s most auspicious. Why not set it then?”
The woman was Rebecca.
Emerie froze mid–corridor.
Rebecca spotted her, feigning surprise. “Oh? Emerie? What a coincidence.”
Andrew turned, his gaze briefly unreadable. “Long time.”
0.0%
00.05
Chapter 1
Emerie smiled. “Congratulations.”
“The engagement invites will reach your studio this week,” Rebecca chirped.
“How fitting. That’s my birthday,” Emerie replied with a hollow laugh.
#248 Vouchers
“Really?” Rebecca pretended innocence. “Scheduling it on Emerie’s birthday makes it a double happiness celebra- tion.”
Emerie forced a smile. “I’ll be there.”
As she walked away, her nails drew blood from her palms.
“Emerie, Ms. Rebecca requested you personally handle their engagement planning,” the assistant said cautiously.
Price tag: fifteen thousand.
Emerie scanned the contract and signed.
The assistant looked puzzled.
She smiled thinly. “My highest–paying commission.”
Three days later, during venue rehearsal.
She stood stage–left directing lights when sharp pain exploded in her skull. Darkness swallowed her vision as she col- lapsed.
“Director Emerie!” Chaos erupted.
Staff helped her up, but she waved them off. “I’ll continue.”
Andrew watched from the crowd, his voice icy. “She always loved putting on an act.”
Emerie heard him, her lips curling in silent mockery,
Explanations were pointless. Meaningless.
Steadying herself, she walked back toward the stage.
53.0 %
