Journey Through the Shadow Realms

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself at a welcome-home party for my wife's childhood sweetheart, David Middleton.

With everyone catching up, they soon started joking about whose life had turned out the worst.

Someone snickered and said, "Who else could it be? Obviously Kyle! Three years ago, he was so sure he'd get into a PhD program at Westbridge University.

"Look how that turned out. He spent another two years studying at home and still couldn't get in. Now he's stuck at the Behavioral Reform Center, an institution that supposedly taught men emotional control and proper conduct.

"And look at David! He got his PhD from Westbridge, and now companies are practically lining up to hire him, offering him millions of dollars a year. Some people really have all the luck!"

The room erupted in laughter as they mocked me.

Yet, these were the same people who had once stood up for me, saying that if David hadn't pulled tricks back then, I would have been the one studying abroad.

My wife, Sharon Griffin, remained perfectly composed, but her eyes kept drifting toward the door.

She tapped her fingers against the table before asking her assistant, Adam Norris, "Kyle is on winter break too, right? Hasn't he been making a fuss about coming home?"

Adam lied through his teeth, "The school said Mr. Walsh doesn't want to come back. He chose to stay there and has been cursing you and Mr. Middleton."

A deep crease formed between Sharon's brows. "He's been there for a whole semester and still hasn't learned his lesson.

"Tell him that if he calls to apologize and promises he'll never ask to study abroad again, I'll let bygones be bygones and let him come home for New Year."

I gave a bitter laugh. She still didn't know that I was already dead.

Before I applied to the PhD programs for the third time, I discovered that Sharon had sabotaged my previous two applications, which led to a falling-out between us.

I guarded against her every move, but I never expected her to tamper with my visa paperwork and get me permanently barred from getting a visa. That meant I'd never have a chance to go abroad and find my biological parents.

I was devastated and asked for a divorce. She responded by having me sent to the Behavioral Reform Center, where I met a horrible end.

Only after I died did I learn why she had gone to such lengths to keep me from leaving the country. She was afraid I'd reveal that David had stolen my grades and taken my place abroad three years ago.

Meanwhile, David lowered his head, revealing the scar near his temple.

Holding Sharon's hands tightly, he said earnestly, "Kyle must be furious that you sent him to that center. Don't be scared, Sharon. I'll protect you. I don't care if he hits me again."

Back then, David and I applied to the same college under the same advisor. In the end, the advisor chose him.

When I simply asked him what happened, he burst into tears and rammed his head into a pillar to "prove his innocence". Everyone assumed I attacked him out of jealousy and looked down on me for it.

Sharon's eyes softened as she looked at David. She sneered. "Let him try! I'll make sure he rots at that center!"

Everyone quickly tried to comfort David.

"David, Sharon only proposed to Kyle because she was afraid he'd hurt you. Don't worry. Her heart belongs to you, and she'll always protect you."