Chapter 3

Edward brought Rachel home just two days ago. Funny enough, that was the day I died.

I still remember right before I died. Pain wracked my body so bad that I tumbled off the bed, desperate to grab my painkillers. My hands wouldn't stop shaking, and the pills just scattered everywhere.

And then there was the blood, too, splattered all over the floor from where I'd coughed it up.

I pleaded with the system, begging it to call Edward for me. I just wanted to hear his voice one last time, even if it was only for a second.

But Edward never answered. He was too busy at the airport, seeing Rachel off, saying his sweet goodbyes.

The system streamed the airport scene straight to me. Edward and Rachel were wrapped in each other's arms, holding on like they never wanted to let go.

Anyone watching would swear they were lovers, torn apart by fate, hearts breaking at the thought of saying goodbye.

My face was white as a sheet as I quietly triggered the robot I'd set up ages ago.

I closed my eyes, and I never opened them again.

The system took care of my body and then asked, [Host, you chose to give up on your mission and took the cancer that was meant for your target onto yourself.]

[Do you really not regret it?]

My soul floated in the void, and I replied, "No regrets."

My quest in this world was simple. I had to make Edward fall in love with me.

I'd known him just as long as Rachel had. I always watched him from the sidelines, and before I knew it, I was totally into this lively, sweet guy.

He'd stop to help strangers without making a show of it, as if kindness were just part of his routine.

Once, I faked being in a jam, and just like I expected, Edward noticed and came to my rescue.

And that was how we officially met.

And before I knew it, I was head over heels for him.

One day, right in the middle of our date, Edward just suddenly passed out.

I rushed him to the hospital, and that's when we found out he had a genetic disease—terminal cancer. The doctors said the cancer was spreading fast, and he didn't have long to live.

As long as I could be there for him through his final days, that would mean my quest was done.

But I just couldn't do it. I couldn't stand by and watch him die.

I loved Edward, so I'd rather let him live, even if it meant trading my life for his.

The system went silent for a while after hearing my answer and then finally said, [Alright then, I'll let you stick around in this world a little longer. Go ahead and watch how things play out.]

And just like that, my soul stayed behind.

For three whole years, Edward never realized the woman living in his house wasn't the real me.

He grew more and more sick of me and came home less and less.

Every time he did show up, he'd bring a different woman with him, with no shame and no attempt to hide it. He was practically flaunting it in front of me.

The whole social circle knew the story. I was Claire, Edward's legal wife, and he was cheating on me blatantly, and I never even put up a fight.

Talk about humiliating.

I couldn't help but laugh at myself. Never in a million years did I think things between Edward and me would turn out to be such a mess.

Outside, I could hear Edward and Rachel talking.

"Edward, it's so late. Are you sure Claire won't flip out if she sees me here? Wouldn't want her getting all jealous. Maybe I shouldn't crash here after all," Rachel said.

Edward paused for a moment and replied, "Don't worry about her. I run this house. Claire wouldn't dare make a fuss."

Rachel laughed, teasing him, "Looks like you've got her trained pretty well."

Edward didn't continue the conversation. Standing by the door with Rachel, he called my name, irritation plain in his voice. "Claire. Open it. Are you deaf?"

Right on cue, the front door opened, and I let them in.

I reached for Rachel's coat and hung it up without a word, the motion smooth, practiced, like this was expected of me.

Edward's face was unreadable, not a single emotion showing.

Rachel just gawked at me, like I was some kind of ghost.

"Hey, Claire, you seriously don't recognize me?" Rachel said.

I looked her dead in the eye and called out her name, no hesitation.

Rachel let out an exaggerated laugh. "Three years and you've done a total 180, Claire. You're like a whole new person. Color me shocked."

Edward's lips tightened even more.

He shot her a mocking look.

Edward sneered, "She's always been good at pretending she doesn't care. Like she's above it, like none of this gets to her."

His smile turned sharp. "Now she wants to act calm and gracious. I'd like to see how long she can keep that up."