Chapter 4

Edwin and Esme's lips finally parted.

Her cheeks were flushed, while he slipped out of the room, looking flustered. His heart was still pounding when his gaze fell on the gown lying on the couch.

He picked up a bottle of red wine and poured it over the fabric without hesitation. The stark white cloth bloomed with a dark red stain, like blood splattered across it.

After tossing the ruined gown into the trash, he left me a message. "Claudia, I actually went out of my way to buy you a dress. But you're nothing but a venomous woman. You don't deserve it!

"Do you realize what you've done? Your parents were so angry that they nearly had heart attacks because of you. I suggest you come back immediately and apologize to everyone. Otherwise, when you return, we'll have to discuss divorce."

His venom words no longer stirred anything in me. My heart was numb. Instead, I looked down at the shredded paper scattered across the floor, a thought crossing my mind.

If Esme could no longer create flawless designs, would they still love her? After all, she had already burned through every draft she had stolen from me. And the pieces she'd torn apart with her own hands this time were her final leverage.

I was already dead. But her descent into hell was only just beginning. This birthday banquet might be her final celebration.

"That deserves a toast," I thought.

Soon, the guests began to arrive. They kissed Esme on the cheek, showering her with warm wishes. Not one of them mentioned my name, except for the old family butler, Brendan Pace, who asked softly, "Where's Claudia? Why don't I see her?"

Dad gave a derisive snort. "She's dead!"

Brendan paled, but Esme quickly intervened. "Dad's joking. Claudia had something to do tonight, so she couldn't make it."

Her tone was gentle, but Brendan didn't so much as glance at her. After all, he had witnessed the day she'd pushed me down the stairs years ago.

Later, she had framed him for speaking up, and Dad had driven him from the household.

Sensing his indifference, Esme shot him a sharp glare without anyone noticing.

Meanwhile, Edwin was busy talking to the guests about the ruined designs. They all comforted him. "Esme is so talented. One lost design doesn't matter. She'll keep creating masterpieces, no matter how hard jealous people try to tear them apart."

Their words pleased Mom and Dad. Dad beamed. "Exactly! Esme is a prodigy. The mediocre can never compare to her."

The chorus of praise grew louder until Mom suddenly turned to Edwin. "What's truly a shame is that such a wonderful man ended up with such a terrible wife. If you ask me, Edwin belongs with Esme. They're the perfect match."

Esme blushed, nudging Mom shyly before sneaking a glance at Edwin.

He lowered his head and sipped his wine. He neither refuted nor agreed. But his answer came during the gift exchange.

He presented Esme with a ruby necklace. It wasn't just any necklace. It was his late mother's heirloom.

He had told me about it, promising that he would personally place it around my neck on our fifth wedding anniversary.

Now, he was placing it around Esme's neck. I watched without a trace of emotion, my heart completely hollow.

One by one, guests handed Esme their presents. She eventually pointed to the stack of boxes in the corner. "Are those for me too?"

Her face lit up as she lifted one, but then she noticed the inscription. "From Claudia."

Before she could open it, Dad stormed over, snatched the box from her hands, and tossed it aside. "Don't touch that. Who knows what tricks she's trying to pull? What if it's something harmful?"

I finally realized what kind of person I was in their eyes. I let out a bitter, self-deprecating smile. Instead of watching, I turned toward the window and looked at the moon.

Just then, a low buzz filled the room as a dozen flies swarmed inside in a circle. My body must have begun to rot.

Everyone wrinkled their noses. Brendan studied the insects and then said, "They're probably coming from the basement. Maybe some of the produce has spoiled."

At that, Edwin stood. "Everyone, please continue. I'll go check."

Esme rushed to grab his arm. "There's no need for that. It's just a few flies."

But he shook his head. "It's your birthday. I want everything to be perfect."

Without hesitation, he headed toward the basement. The closer he got, the more flies swarmed, and the stench of blood grew stronger. He covered his nose, grimacing.

Esme scrambled after him, but Brendan stuck out his foot, sending her stumbling to the ground. He had long since suspected her behavior.

"What is that smell?" Mom and Dad hurried down after him.

Edwin kicked open the basement door. And there, in the dark, he saw my body sprawled lifelessly on the floor. He froze. "C-Claudia!"