Bringing up that guy whenever Chase was around was a mistake. Chase’s eyes turned icy as he looked at her and asked, “Do you know something I don’t?”

“I’m just worried about Amanda,” she said, trying to sound concerned. “I called a friend last night, and it turns out he knows the guy Amanda was dancing with. He said…”

“Said what?” Chase cut her off, gripping her wrist so hard it left a red mark.

“That guy’s a well-known player. He uses his good looks to lure women in. He’s got…skills in certain areas, which is why so many women get hooked. They’ll do anything to be with him. But I know Amanda wouldn’t fall for that.”

Chase’s face twisted with anger. He was clearly imagining the video of the woman pressed against the man, his fingers slowly sliding up her waist.

“You’re hurting me,” she winced.

“Sorry.” Chase immediately let go, got up, and stormed off to the bathroom. Nicole watched him leave, a sly smile curving her lips.

That very day, they hopped on a plane to Willow City, adjacent to Cloudville. But getting to Cloudville from Willow City meant a grueling ten-hour drive through the mountains. The video had clearly gotten under Chase’s skin. Accustomed to a life of luxury, he’d chosen this arduous road trip to track me down.

I lounged in the passenger seat, feet up, soaking in the mountain views while silently mocking the poor guy. If he’d checked my flight records, he would have known I never went to Cloudville. But his blind faith in Nicole meant he never considered that. Thanks to him, I got to enjoy the landscapes I’d missed in life—ironically, after death.

The sun dipped behind the mountains, swallowing the last of the daylight. The road was nearly deserted, and without streetlights, the darkness was broken only by the occasional passing cow.

“Chase, I’m scared,” Nicole said, seizing the moment to snuggle into Chase’s arms. The driver could hardly believe what he was seeing. Ever since discovering their relationship, he’d been a bundle of nerves.

I was completely at ease, watching her manipulate Chase and wondering what scheme she and my killer were cooking up. All sorts of scenarios played out in my mind—like the car breaking down in the middle of nowhere. But nothing happened, and by morning, we’d arrived.

Chase hadn’t slept a wink; his eyes were bloodshot. The closer we got to Cloudville, the darker it became. Nicole had given the driver the address; the car headed straight there.

Once we reached the alley, Chase ditched Nicole and rushed over. If I hadn’t seen the whole charade last night, I might have thought he was truly concerned about me. No one answered when he knocked, so Chase kicked the wooden door open with brute force. “Amanda!” he shouted. A pair of used men’s slippers lay by the living room door. Chase…