Chapter 3

I was dumbstruck after hearing what Mackenzie said.

Caleb's lips curved into an unsettling smile. He raised his hand as if to strike, and Mackenzie flinched back reflexively, but his hand settled gently on her head instead.

He stroked her hair affectionately, chuckling softly. "I knew you wouldn't do that to me, Mackenzie. I told you before to keep your distance from her. Why wouldn't you listen to me?"

He then walked toward me and said, "You're truly a bitch, Adeline. You were the one encouraging her to break up with me whenever we fought. You're the one feeding her all these bad ideas. You should've died long ago, Adeline."

I tried to run, but I couldn't move—my body was completely locked up. I suddenly felt a searing pain shoot through my abdomen. I collapsed to the ground, clutching my bleeding abdomen.

I met Mackenzie's vacant, lifeless eyes as I lay in the pool of blood, but she quickly lowered her head and avoided looking at me.

I slowly closed my eyes as my consciousness started slipping away, refusing to accept my fate. I then opened my eyes and found myself back on this train again.

Mackenzie immediately pulled out her phone to check in with Caleb the moment the train reached its destination, and we got to the hotel. They were still deep in the honeymoon stage of their relationship.

I gazed at Mackenzie's face, deep in thought. I couldn't help but wonder if she was truly human beneath that outer shell or something sinister.

Mackenzie suddenly pointed her front camera at me while I was lost in thought. Caleb's well-defined features appeared on the screen. She then chuckled merrily and said, "You can see for yourself, Caleb! It's just Adeline and me here!"

I plastered on a friendly smile and greeted Caleb. I was completely done with this unhinged couple. I would let them stay together in this life and cut them out of my life for good.

We each went back to our own lives once the trip was over.

I almost didn't recognize Mackenzie when I saw her again. She had long black hair over her shoulders and was dressed in a floral dress with low-heeled leather shoes. She had ditched her colorful makeup and looked like the epitome of a dutiful housewife. She looked completely different from her usual style.

Caleb had clearly done a thorough job of changing her.

"What do you think, Adeline? Does this outfit look good? Caleb picked it out!" Mackenzie turned a full circle where she stood.

I nodded and said, "It looks good. It suits you well, Mackenzie."

Mackenzie looked visibly happier after hearing that. She wrapped her arm through mine, and it was only then that I noticed her bare, unadorned fingernails.

"What happened to your manicure?" I asked instinctively.

"Caleb doesn't like me getting my nails done, so I switched to nude polish instead. He said he'd buy me a gift to make up for it. Don't you think he's being too controlling? I mean, none of my ex-boyfriends were ever like this. I've completely lost my freedom, Adeline!" Mackenzie complained with a pout.

"I mean, everyone has their own way of loving someone. I guess this is just his way of showing his love for you, Mackenzie," I said, smiling sheepishly.

"Huh? You really think so? Don't you hate him more than anyone, Adeline?" Mackenzie turned to look at me, disbelief written all over her face.

I shrugged helplessly and said, "I do hate him, but since you're so crazy about him, what choice do I have? I guess I just have to warm up to him because you love him."

Mackenzie kept staring at me like she couldn't believe what she was seeing.

I instantly went into overdrive. "I mean, maybe Caleb and I just don't mesh well, personality-wise. I know I used to judge him pretty harshly, but for your lifelong happiness, I obviously have to let go of my personal feelings and put you first, Mackenzie."

I almost convinced myself with the explanation I came up with on the spot.

Mackenzie fell for it hook, line, and sinker. She threw her arm around my shoulders, her face glowing with delight. "You're the best, Adeline!"

I fought back my discomfort at her physical contact and continued, "You see, nobody's perfect. You can't just dwell on his shortcomings. You should also consider his strengths, Mackenzie."