Chapter 4

I refused to move my fingers, so he tightly clamped his hand over mine, forcing the pen down.

His breath was hot against my neck, but his grip was terrifyingly forceful.

"Be a good girl. Once she’s cured, I’ll marry you."

"No! Ethan, my illness was never cured!"

Tears spilled from my eyes, staining the spiritual paper as Ethan forced my hand to scribble my signature onto the document.

Once it was done, he folded the paper carefully and handed it to Chloe like a prize.

"Chloe, you're going to get better now. Don't worry."

"I've returned the curse back to her."

Our breathing echoed in the empty room. Looking at the man standing in front of me, I felt a complete, chilling numbness.

I slumped against the wall, completely exhausted.

"Get out of my house. If you don't leave, I'm calling the police."

Ethan looked at me, momentarily startled by the dead, cold look in my eyes.

"As you wish."

Regaining his composure, he gave me one last look, turned around, and walked into the master bedroom to pack Chloe’s things.

Only Chloe and I were left in the living room.

The weak, pathetic act vanished from her face instantly. She slowly walked over to me.

"Must hurt like hell, seeing your fiancé completely devoted to someone else, huh?"

I looked at her coldly.

"Chloe, my family never did you wrong."

Chloe’s face twisted into something utterly hideous.

"Oh, please. I’ve known for a long time that your family stopped those stupid rituals. But the Vance family is so hypocritical! Acting like saints when you brought me in just to extend your precious daughter’s life!"

"Did you really think I’d be grateful just because you bought me expensive clothes? No. I want to destroy you. I want you to feel what it's like to have your life stolen from you!"

"I’m going to ruin the Vance family’s reputation, and I’m going to take the man you love most!"

*Slap!*

A sharp slap cut off her venomous whispering.

That slap took the very last of my strength. My vision went black, and I slid down the wall, collapsing onto the hardwood floor.

Almost instantly, the bedroom door flew open.

"Chloe!"

"Oh, Ethan! I know Summer is angry with me... I’ll take the curse back! Please just tell her not to ruin my life in the city!"

"Summer! Not only did you hit her, but you’re still abusing her?!"

I clutched my chest, unable to utter a single word.

Ethan looked at my deathly pale face and the cold sweat dripping down my forehead. For a second, a flash of panic crossed his eyes.

He knew how fatal my heart attacks could be.

"Summer? What’s wrong? Are you okay?"

"Ethan... it hurts..."

Chloe suddenly clutched Ethan's arm, her face turning pale as she slumped against him.

"Chloe! Don't worry, I'm taking you to the hospital right now!"

His voice was so tender it made my ears ring.

I reached out with trembling fingers, grabbing the hem of his jeans. I knew that if he left me now, I wouldn't survive the night.

"Help me... Ethan..."

Ethan kicked my hand away. "Stop acting, Summer. You already had your heart transplant, didn't you? Overacting makes it look cheap."

"Since I promised I’d still marry you, just wait for me."

Tears slipped down my cheeks as I slowly closed my eyes.

Ethan, there won't be a wedding.

And I won't be here anymore.