Chapter 3

My parents froze for a second.

Chloe gasped for breath, tears welling in her eyes. "I haven't been able to reach him for days! He’s missing!"

Looking at Chloe’s terrified face, my soul wept.

There was no signal on the mountain. I couldn't even send her a text before the snow took my life.

But the worry on my parents' faces vanished instantly, replaced by sheer annoyance.

My mom rolled her eyes.

"Chloe, don't let him fool you. That brat did something terrible to Julian and shut his phone off to avoid us."

"He’s just hiding because he’s a coward. Don't waste your energy on him."

Chloe shook her head violently.

"No, you don't understand! We had a movie date yesterday. Leo never breaks his promises. Never! But yesterday, his phone was completely dead..."

My dad cut her off, his voice sharp and dismissive.

"Enough. Leo loves playing these pathetic victim games."

"Who knows where he’s hiding, waiting for us to go look for him? He wants attention."

Julian stepped forward, looking incredibly apologetic.

"I know Leo hates me. If he comes back, I’ll apologize to him. I’ll do whatever he wants."

Hearing Julian's voice made my blood boil. I rushed in front of him, screaming at his face.

For years, I did everything to please you! My parents gave you everything, and I let you! Why did you have to kill me?!

But no one could hear me. No one could see me.

My dad’s expression softened as he looked at Julian, his anger toward me growing.

"Julian, stop blaming yourself. It’s not your fault. Leo has always been a rotten kid."

"If he wants to hide, let him. Even if he dies out there, I won't shed a single tear."

Mom added angrily, "Exactly! When he finally crawls back, he’s going to get down on his knees and apologize to Julian!"

Chloe stared at them, her jaw dropping in utter disbelief. She couldn't believe these words were coming from my parents.

Her eyes turned red, and she screamed, "Do you even know Leo?! He is nothing like what you’re describing!"

"He is the kindest, most honest person I know!"

"How can you say those things about him? Are you even his real parents?!"

Chloe’s voice echoed in the hallway. I felt a tear slip down my ghostly face.

In this entire world, she was the only one who truly knew me. The only one who loved me.

But my dad only sneered.

"I don't know him? He’s selfish and petty! If it weren't for him, Julian wouldn't have been hurt!"

Mom chimed in. "You’ve been blinded by his act, Chloe. He loves manipulating people."

"I want to see how long he can keep this up!"

Standing in the cold hospital hallway, I felt like my soul was being ripped apart.

So this was what I was to them. A selfish, manipulative liar.

Chloe was shaking with rage. She pointed a finger at my mom.

"You are going to kill him! I’m calling the police!"

Dad let out a dry, angry laugh.

"Call them! I want the cops to find him. Let’s see if they throw him in jail for pushing Julian!"

At the mention of the police, Julian’s face went completely white.

He quickly grabbed my dad’s sleeve, his voice trembling.

"Dad... actually, maybe I remembered it wrong. I think I just tripped. Leo didn't push me."

Then, he looked at Chloe with a pleading expression. "Chloe, please don't call the police. Leo is just throwing a tantrum. We shouldn't waste police resources over a family issue."

But Chloe wasn't buying it. She glared at Julian, her eyes piercing.

"Why are you so scared of the police, Julian? What are you hiding?"