Chapter 3

My parents froze for a second.

Ethan continued frantically, "It's been days! I haven't been able to reach her at all!"

Looking at Ethan's pale, worried face, my dead heart ached with a different kind of pain.

There was no signal on that mountain. Before I died, I couldn't even send a single text to the boy I loved.

The brief worry on my parents' faces instantly vanished, replaced by sheer annoyance.

My mom said dismissively, "That girl committed a crime and is hiding to get sympathy. She's too ashamed to face us. Ethan, don't waste your energy on her."

Ethan shook his head quickly. "No, you don't understand! She promised to go to the movies with me yesterday. She never breaks her promises. But there's been absolutely nothing..."

My dad cut him off sharply.

"Enough! She loves playing these pathetic mind games."

"Who knows where she's hiding right now because of her guilty conscience? She wants us to go looking for her."

Clara chimed in, looking incredibly fragile.

"I know Chloe hates me. If she comes back, I'm willing to apologize to her."

Hearing Clara's voice, my anger boiled over. I rushed to her face and screamed, "For years, my parents gave you everything, and I did everything to please you! Why do you want me dead so badly?"

But no one could see or hear me.

My dad patted Clara's shoulder gently. "Don't blame yourself, Clara. It's not your fault. Chloe has a twisted character! If she wants to hide, let her. Even if she dies out there, I won't shed a single tear."

My mom added, "Exactly! When she finally crawls back, she will get down on her knees and apologize to Clara!"

Ethan stared at my parents in absolute disbelief. Were these words actually coming from her biological parents?

His eyes welled with tears, and his voice shook with pure fury.

"Do you even know Chloe at all?! She is nothing like what you're describing!"

"She is kind, honest, and loving! How can you talk about your own daughter like that? Are you even human?!"

Hearing Ethan shout in my defense, my eyes watered. I didn't expect that in this vast world, the only person who truly knew me and stood up for me was my boyfriend.

But my dad remained arrogant, letting out a cold laugh.

"I know her well enough! She is selfish and jealous. If it weren't for her, Clara wouldn't have been hurt!"

My mom agreed. "Ethan, you've been fooled by her sweet act. She's a master manipulator. Let’s see how long she can keep up this little disappearing act!"

I stood there, feeling the coldness of death seep deeper into my soul.

So, this was what I was to my parents. A monster.

It felt as if a dull blade was slowly carving away my flesh, piece by piece.

Ethan’s anger peaked. He pointed a shaking finger at my mom.

"You're going to kill her! I'm calling the police!"

My dad laughed mockingly.

"Call them! I'd love to see the police throw that brat in jail for intentionally hurting Clara!"

Clara’s face suddenly turned pale.

She grabbed my dad’s sleeve, her voice trembling.

"Dad... maybe I remembered it wrong. I think I just slipped. Chloe didn't push me."

Then, she looked at Ethan with a pitiful expression.

"Ethan, Chloe is probably just throwing a tantrum. Please don't call the cops. We shouldn't waste police resources."

But Ethan didn't buy her act. He glared at her, his eyes cold as ice.

"Why don't you want me to call the police, Clara? What are you hiding?"