Chapter 1

When lines of text started flashing before my eyes, I thought it was just grief making me hallucinate.

But the messages didn’t stop—

[If the female lead goes up to the rooftop now, she’ll realize the male lead isn’t dead at all.]

[She’s barely eaten in two days because of him. How’s she supposed to climb to the rooftop in that state?]

Dragging my lead-heavy legs, I forced myself up the stairs toward the rooftop.

There was only a short flight left when I heard a voice I knew better than anyone—light, teasing, and familiar.

“My funeral’s not even over yet?”

The voice came from the phone of Hubert’s close friend, Ryan Wood.

“Not yet, man.”

“Where’s Rose? She hasn’t figured anything out, has she?”

Ryan replied, “No way. She’s been running herself ragged the past two days. Nearly fainted yesterday from crying too hard. She’s probably still in her room sobbing right now.”

Hubert’s tone was casual. “Make sure you keep comforting her for me.”

Another friend beside him, Sean Smith, chimed in, half-joking, “But seriously, Hubert, you’ve really fallen for that little sugar baby of yours, haven’t you?

“Faking your death and flying all the way to Westin just to chase her. You even made us play along too.”

The messages were right.

I gripped the railing so tightly my knuckles turned white.

Every cell in my body trembled.

I heard Hubert say, “Whether I’ve fallen for her or not isn’t your concern. Just help me keep it from Rose.”

Ryan asked, “So, are you still going through with the wedding?”

“Of course. Once I’m back, everything goes on as planned. But before that, can’t you let me go a little crazy for love?”

“Well, that’s fair.”

“After marriage, I’ll only be allowed to orbit around one person. Might as well enjoy this while I can, haha.”

The three of them laughed in silent understanding.

But my blood froze like ice.

I had prayed countless times that Hubert might still be alive.

But never in a way like this.

The messages popped up again.

[The female lead’s seen the truth! Ahhh, I hope she wakes up soon!]

[Go out there and tear that scumbag apart!!!]

But I didn’t rush out to expose him.

I turned around and quietly walked down the stairs.

After retching over the toilet for a while, I stared at the woman in the mirror.

Her eyes were bloodshot from sleepless nights, her face pale and hollow.

I cupped some water and splashed it on my face.

Then wiped away the traces of tears with a towel.

[As expected, the female lead knows the truth but still chooses to endure it. I’m so mad right now!]

[Of course she does! She loves him too much. And after hearing he’d still marry her when he comes back, she decided to swallow her pain.]

[I think she’s just waiting for the right time to strike back.]

When I stepped out of the room, Ryan handed me two tissues.

His face was filled with feigned sympathy. “Rose, don’t be too sad. Hubert’s watching over you from above. He wouldn’t want to see you like this.”

I looked up at him, taking in the overly solemn expression he was trying so hard to fake.