Chapter 2

He told my parents he wanted to marry me.

Then he openly kept me confined in the Martinez residence for three whole years.

I never saw the sun, living a life completely shut away from the world.

On the anniversary of Eleanor's death, during our first year of marriage, Asher came home wasted.

He stormed in, grabbed me by the neck, and started screaming at me like he'd lost his mind. "Why wasn't it you who died?

"Chloe, you should've been the one in the grave.

"What makes you think you deserve to live?"

During our second year of marriage, we had a daughter.

I named her Anna. I hoped she could live her whole life in peace.

I thought maybe things between Asher and me would finally get a little better because of her.

But Asher never spared Anna a glance.

He even vented his rage on our daughter.

He never allowed Anna to hug him or call him "Dad."

By the third year, Asher brought news that my parents had immigrated abroad.

They'd finally gotten over the heartbreak of losing their daughter.

They hoped Asher could let go, too.

They begged Asher to go easy on me.

That only made Asher let out a mocking laugh, clamping my chin in his hand.

His gaze was icy and chilling. "Do you think you're worthy, Chloe?

"You caused someone's death. Do you really think you can brush it off like it's nothing?"

When Anna saw how pale I was, she flailed and tried to crawl over to me. As her little hand brushed against Asher,

Her head hit the floor with a thud, leaving a bloody streak.

I was heartbroken for her.

By then, Asher had pushed me to the edge, body and soul.

I was barely holding onto my sanity.

I couldn't help but let out a bitter, cold laugh. "Go ahead, and kill me then."

No matter what I say, nobody ever believes me anyway.

The constant oppression, the hatred, and the silent treatment were all driving me crazy.

For the first time, I wasn't afraid of dying. I shouted at him as loud as I could, "Eleanor totally deserved it. She never valued her own life.

"I never wronged her. She's the one who owes me."

I ranted like a lunatic, and that pushed Asher over the edge.

Not long after, Anna came down with a high fever.

She curled up on the floor, calling out "Mommy" in agony.

I begged Asher to call a doctor.

I remember the moonlight that night. It was cold and pale.

He sat on the couch, not moving a muscle.

I knew Asher was still angry.

Because I wouldn't admit I was wrong and I'd insulted his precious Eleanor.

I knew I messed up.

I bowed again and again, desperate and helpless. "Asher, please, I'm begging you. Help Anna. She's only two years old.

"She is innocent."

I could do nothing but watch.

Anna's cries got weaker and weaker, going from loud wails to soft whimpers, until all that was left were a few scattered, weak groans.

As dawn approached, she tugged at my sleeve with her tiny, feverish hand. "Mommy, don't cry. I don't hurt."

Those were her final words to me.

Anna missed the critical window for treatment.

I had no tears left to cry.

Inside the hospital room, Asher looked away, cold and indifferent. "Hurts, doesn't it, Chloe? That's what you get for being shameless and pushing Eleanor to her grave."

Was that so?

I finally snapped.

They all thought I owed Eleanor a life.

It didn't matter how long I tried to pay it back.

Alright then, I would do what she did.

Would that finally be enough?

I stood on the hospital rooftop and jumped without any hesitation.

I was going to be with Anna.

Before I fell, I couldn't tell if I was imagining things.

I thought I saw Asher's face, looking frantic.

I thought, if I got a second chance, I wouldn't ever love him again.

And I would keep my distance from him and Eleanor.

*****

The wind from my fall still echoed in my ears.

I pressed against the wall, forcing myself to stay alert with the pain.

I turned and hurried out of the hotel, not once looking back.

This time, I wouldn't ever let myself get close to Asher again.

All those tragedies and our cursed connection would be put to rest tonight.