Chapter 3

"I remember your wounds used to heal much faster before," Brielle said, her reproach carrying a faint undertone of concern.

I looked at the wounds with slight frustration. I was so close. If only I had lost just a little more blood, I would have finally been able to die from it.

When Logan's sobs drifted over from the bedroom, Brielle glanced hesitantly in my direction.

I said nothing and simply took the ointment from her.

She froze for a second, then stood and walked inside.

Logan whined pitifully, "The traction for my live stream is too low. The company's making me pay a penalty for breaching the contract."

Brielle soothed him gently. "How much do you need? I'll transfer it to your account tomorrow."

But Logan shook his head. "Streaming is my dream, Bree. I don't want to rely on you. I only have one request. I heard that product review streams are all the hype these days. I'd like Trev to review the taste of different rat poison on my stream."

Brielle was taken aback for a moment before she pushed Logan away. "That's too dangerous. I'll transfer the penalty fee to your account tomorrow."

Logan's eyes reddened as he looked at her. "I don't have any family left in this world. You're the only one I have left, Bree. I know you like Trev. I'll secretly switch out the real rat poison beforehand anyway. Besides, Trev can't really die, can he?"

A flicker of hesitation crossed Brielle's eyes. She looked at me through the doorway, lost in thought.

For the next few days, Brielle was remarkably kind to me. I even began to think that she might have had a change of heart, that she wanted us to get back together—until she brought me to the live stream studio where Logan was streaming.

Logan quickly pulled me close and greeted the viewers enthusiastically.

"Hi, everyone! I'm Logan, and today I have a very special guest with me, Mr. Whitlock! He's going to be reviewing rat poison live on stream!"

The mention of reviewing rat poison sent the live stream's popularity through the roof.

Looking at the ten cups of rat poison in front of me, I instinctively shot a glance at Brielle. She looked away uneasily, as if giving implicit consent to everything that was going on.

"Now, Mr. Whitlock is about to start the review! Everyone, hit that 'like' button to cheer him on!"

At Logan's urging, the live stream shot straight to the top of the charts.

I watched Brielle's silent acquiescence and suddenly smiled. So that was why she'd been so nice to me lately.

My silence upset some of the viewers. Insults flooded the chat, accusing Logan of false advertising.

Logan's eyes reddened as he looked pleadingly at Brielle.

She frowned and said to me, "Drink it, Trev."

A complex emotion flickered in my eyes. "Brielle, I'll die."

I wasn't lying. Drinking the rat poison would be my seventh death. This time, there would be no coming back.

Seeing the comments section of the stream spiraling out of control, Brielle snapped impatiently, "All you're losing is a life, but becoming a top streamer is Logan's dream! What are you waiting for? Just drink it!"

I stood frozen for a moment, but I didn't refuse. With a faint smile on my lips, I picked up a cup, downed it, and drank the rest of the cups one by one.

My actions sent the comments section of the live stream into a frenzy. Logan wiped away his tears and began to ask me, "Mr. Whitlock, how does it taste?"

After downing the last cup of rat poison, I looked at Brielle and said softly, "They taste a little bitter… and a little sweet."

Yes, the bitterness came from the poison. And the sweetness was knowing that after this death, I could finally leave for good.

I turned to the camera with a smile. The live stream shot all the way to the top of the trending list, and Logan officially became the platform's top male streamer.

After the streaming ended, Logan shot me a provocative look. I didn't respond. The poison was starting to take effect. I collapsed to the floor in agony, enduring the searing pain.

Everyone rushed off to the celebration party. No one cared that I was vomiting thick, black blood.

"Brielle…" I forced out her name with what strength I had left.

Brielle, who had been walking away without a second thought, stopped and turned back to look at me. She hesitated, seeming to want to check on me.

But Logan stepped in front of her and said softly, "Bree, Trev will be fine. He'll be back with us soon enough."

After a moment's hesitation, Brielle nodded. I watched her retreating figure and slowly closed my eyes.

My last thoughts were, "Brielle, we're even now. I don't owe you anything anymore."