Chapter 1

I never imagined I’d witness my own funeral, let alone one where my fiancé Elias stood rigidly by my casket, his face a mask of disbelief and anguish.

I still remember the day I died. I had been rushing back to Elias, eager to tell him the news that we were expecting a baby. But when I got home, I found he had brought Vivian, his ex-girlfriend back to our place.

They were settled on the couch I had bought, kissing as if they were the only two people in the world.

In the dim light, Vivian’s pale face was flushed, as if she were drunk, loosely draped over Elias.

"Eli... Eli..." she murmured.

Elias gently supported her waist, brushing her tangled hair from her face, responding to her every call with tenderness.

At one point, the ex-girlfriend asked curiously, "Where’s Amelia?"

My fiancé replied nonchalantly, "We had an argument a few days ago, and she went on a business trip."

Oh, he still doesn’t know I’m gone.

Now, I’m nothing more than ashes and charred remains, my final moments spent desperately trying to protect our unborn child.

....

On the day of Elias's birthday, I got into a car accident on my way back and died instantly.

My soul hovered above, yearning to see Elias one last time. Just then, I saw Elias bringing his long-lost love, Vivian, back to our home.

In the dim light, Vivian's fair face was flushed, as if she were deeply intoxicated, hanging loosely onto Elias.

"Eli... Eli..." she murmured.

Elias gently supported her waist, tenderly smoothing away her tousled hair, patiently responding to her every call. Elias, always so reserved and distant, showed such tenderness only towards her.

Witnessing this scene, though I had prepared myself for it, my heart still ached sharply.

Ever since the news of Vivian's divorce broke, Elias had been distracted, his visits home becoming more infrequent, his demeanor towards me increasingly cold.

I discovered that Vivian's ex-husband's business had gone bankrupt, and he had absconded with their funds. After the divorce, Vivian realized she was pregnant, and debt collectors hounded her so relentlessly that she nearly miscarried several times.

Lately, Elias had been at her side in the hospital. Our arguments began when he proposed bringing Vivian home to care for her.

"Vivian's parents once helped me. I can't just abandon her," he insisted.

My eyes filled with tears. "Is that the only reason?"

Elias was silent for a moment, then abruptly stubbed out his cigarette. "I promised I would marry you."

"Amelia, what are you so afraid of?"

What was I afraid of? Deep down, Elias knew the answer, but he pretended not to.

That night, overwhelmed by emotion, I lost control and suggested we break up for the first time.

Elias's face darkened further. Without a word, he picked me up and carried me into the shower, turning on the cold water.

"Do you realize what you just said?" he demanded.

Shivering, I hugged myself as his imposing figure loomed over me. He tore open his shirt, and, as if in punishment, bit down on my lips. "Amelia, don't ever mention breaking up with me again."

Cold water poured down over us, while his scorching breath seared my neck, his face a blur before my eyes.

"Vivian is just staying here temporarily. Once they find her ex-husband, I'll send her back," he murmured into my ear. "There's truly nothing between us anymore."

Gasping and struggling, I threatened through clenched teeth, "The only way I'll agree is if I'm dead."

And then, I really did die.

Elias truly brought Vivian back.