Chapter 3

Could it really be Caitlin? But why?

She was Lisa's aunt!

My chest constricted violently. A surge of pure panic mixed with blinding rage went straight to my head.

The moment I sprinted out of the train station, I threw myself into a cab and tossed several hundred-dollar bills at the driver.

"Step on it! Get me to Sunshine Gardens as fast as you can. I'll cover all the traffic fines!"

I gripped my phone tight and spoke in a soothing tone. "Honey, listen to me carefully. Don't make a sound. Just wait until I get back."

Lisa peeked through the peephole once more and let out a long sigh of relief. "I think it's just our neighbor. He probably came out to see what the noise was about."

Hearing that it was just a neighbor eased the tension in my chest slightly.

Thank goodness. It looked like I was overthinking things.

Even so, I warned her firmly, "No matter what happens out there, do not open that door. I'm almost home."

Lisa nodded hard. "I don't know what's going on, but if you're asking me to do this, you must have a reason. Don't worry. I'll wait for you to come home."

Seeing her pale face forcing a small smile on the screen made me lose my composure. Tears instantly welled up in my eyes.

I would rather die than relive the agonizing heartbreak of my past life.

On the ride home, I quickly pulled out my second phone and dialed 911, reporting an attempted home invasion at my address.

Even if I ended up getting fined for filing a false report, I had to eliminate every single risk.

The second the cab pulled up at the neighborhood entrance, I bolted out like a madman and charged into the elevator.

I slammed the button for the 18th floor.

The doors slid open, and the first thing I saw was Caitlin sitting outside our apartment, wiping away her tears.

A few neighbors had gathered around, pointing at our door and whispering.

Noticing me, Caitlin rushed over immediately. "Winston, you're finally back! I don't know what got into Lisa. She's kept me locked out for over half an hour. Is she okay in there?"

I gave a brief nod. "I know. I told her not to open the door. Everything's fine now. Let's head inside."

Ignoring the neighbors' curious stares, I unlocked the front door and led Caitlin inside.

The moment the door opened, Lisa heard the noise and ran out from the bedroom.

I couldn't hold back anymore. I rushed forward and pulled her tightly into my arms.

She was warm, and she carried that familiar, sweet scent. She was nothing like the cold, lifeless body I had held in my past life.

Smiling, Lisa patted my back. "What's wrong? You missed me that much after just a one-day business trip?"

I held onto her greedily. My voice was raspy and choked with emotion as I replied, "Yes. I missed you like a whole lifetime had passed."

I hurried over to the crib and looked down at Ariah's peaceful, sleeping face. The heavy weight resting on my chest finally lifted.

I glanced around to make sure the hidden cameras were intact and that the phone recording was running properly. Only after that did I take a deep breath of relief.

Now that I was home and the door was locked, the killer wouldn't stand a chance.

Exhausted, I collapsed onto the couch.

Lisa leaned against my shoulder, already fast asleep, likely drained from the terror she had just been through.

As I looked at her sleeping face, a faint smile of relief broke across my lips.

Just as I pushed myself up to get a glass of water, a wave of intense dizziness hit me out of nowhere.

The strength drained completely from my legs, sending me crashing heavily back onto the couch.

I shook Lisa beside me frantically, but she didn't react at all. Her breathing had grown dangerously faint.

My vision began to blur.

Through the double vision, I saw Caitlin—once so timid and submissive—holding an empty glass of water, looking down at me with pity.

I bit the tip of my tongue hard and glared at her through the haze. "It really was you."