My name was Annalise Hayworth, and I was dead.

The bad news was: I had drowned in Puget Sound during the midnight high tide. No one saw the waves drag me under.

The good news was: the Grim Reaper gave me a chance to bury myself properly within a week.

I planned to leave this task to my husband, Theodore Godfrey.

***

Luck was a mysterious thing.

When I was at my lowest, even watching the tide roll in was enough to get me killed.

Eight hours after I died, I carried my own corpse home.

That was when I ran straight into Theodore—fresh from another woman's bed, a smudge of lipstick staining his collar.

He stepped out of the car, his tailored suit hugging his frame, highlighting his broad shoulders and a narrow waist, making him impossibly handsome.

Wealth and privilege had wrapped him in luxury since birth, gifting him a charm that made women fall for him even past thirty.

He stared at me coldly and snapped, "Annalise, what are you carrying? As my wife, how can you look like a hobo rummaging through trash?"

My heart lurched, but years of mutual hatred made me shoot back on instinct.

"Oh? I thought you'd forgotten you were married, considering you were parading your new girl around yesterday."

Theodore shot me an icy glance. "It kind of surprises me that you didn't make a scene this time."

I stared at him quietly with a smile, my heart shattering.

Actually, I'd tried. His scandal had popped up on my phone while I was walking along Puget Sound.

"Mr. Godfrey spends hundreds of thousands on his new lover."

"Mr. Godfrey openly cheats on his wife."

"Mr. Godfrey spends a wild night with a hottie."

It wasn't the first time Theodore had cheated. But it was our fifth anniversary, and I couldn't stay composed.

I dialed his number over and over, not noticing the massive wave surging behind me. By the time I realized it, the water had already swallowed me.

Snapping back to reality, I scoffed. "Theodore, if you've forgotten you're married, how about I play the wedding video for you?

"Let's see how you swore through tears that you'd never betray me."

Theodore curled his thin lips into a cold smile. "Sure, play it. I could use a reminder of how tender and gentle you used to be."

He turned and walked inside, as if he genuinely intended to find that wedding tape.

I pressed my lips together and silently dragged the body bag after him.

Thankfully, a month ago, I had fallen seriously ill, and my weight had dropped below 40 kilos. Otherwise, I never could've carried myself.

I was about to head upstairs when Cohen Garrett, the butler, hurried over.

He had served the Godfrey family for nearly fifty years. Even a hothead like Theodore treated him with the utmost respect.

Cohen called out in a robust voice, "Someone, come help Mrs. Godfrey carry this upstairs!"

Startled, I quickly waved my hand. "I've got it, thanks."

Cohen didn't insist. Watching Theodore rummaging under the TV cabinet, he added, "Mr. Godfrey specially ordered the hazelnut cake you liked yesterday, along with several pieces of jewelry.

"The cake's still fresh, and I put the jewels in your jewelry box. Would you like to try them on later?"

In front of the TV, Theodore heard him and turned toward me, his face weary.

"Five years of marriage, and you nag about the anniversary every year. I'll celebrate it this time. Don't fuss over it again."

A lump rose in my throat.

How ironic. I had waited for this for so long, only for it to be fulfilled after I was dead.

I didn't answer. I just slung the body bag over my shoulder and went upstairs, setting it in the empty wardrobe.

Theodore and I had slept in separate rooms for nearly two years. He'd never step foot in here. Besides, the Grim Reaper said the bag would keep the body from smelling for a whole week.

After stowing the body, I went back down. Theodore had opened the cake box, his face grim.

Curious, I walked over and saw a line written in chocolate sauce across the white cream: "Happy 1st Anniversary, Theodore & Madisyn!"

My mind went blank.

Madisyn Paveley—an Emmy Award–winning actress—was the woman who had trended with Theodore last night, and the longest-standing of all his mistresses.

Theodore pulled out his phone to make a call, his tone unpleasant. "Who picked up the cake I ordered? Ronald Prescott? Fine. Tell him to go to the Finance Department and collect his pay today! He's fired!"

Watching him seethe, I tugged gently at his sleeve. "Let it go.

"Just wipe the words off. It won't matter."

Theodore froze, phone still in his hand. Confusion flickered across his eyes. "Annalise, since when have you become so forgiving?"

I forced a bitter smile. "If nothing goes wrong, I'll always be this forgiving from now on."

Maybe death brought clarity. I couldn't even find the energy to be angry at his neglect anymore.

Theodore frowned and spoke into the phone, "Cut Ronald's bonus for the month."

He hung up, twirling the phone in his hand. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Do you have any wishes? I'll fulfill them to make up for this."

My fingers trembled. Surprise came first, followed by an overwhelming sense of relief.

After all, the Grim Reaper himself had given me a second chance.

It wasn't so strange that fate would make Theodore fulfill my last wish.

"I want to go to Colorado with you. Just the two of us. You'll drive," I replied.

I'd take my corpse with us. And then, I wanted Theodore to bring me to the place where I would be laid to rest in a natural burial.

When he heard my request, Theodore frowned and asked, "How long will it take?"

I gave a faint smile. "No more than a week, probably."

Theodore pulled out his phone and tapped it twice. A reminder popped up on the screen: "November 17th, take Maddy to the musical."

My eyes stung. "It's the 4th now. The 17th is over ten days away. Plenty of time for a trip."

Theodore paused, slipped his phone back into his pocket, and nodded. "Fine. We'll set off first thing tomorrow.

"For a road trip, we'll take the Land Cruiser from the garage. Cohen, have someone fill it up with gas."

After giving instructions, he looked at me. "Pack your luggage tonight so I don't have to wait for you tomorrow."

Somehow, memories of the past hit me.

Theodore never used to talk to me like this. He would wait patiently outside the school for me to dawdle out, then help me lift my suitcase into the car.

He'd only say things like, "My dear, I've waited two hours for you. Is a kiss too much to ask for a punishment?"

Memories flooded in, wrapping around me, leaving me stuck.

I mumbled a reply and started for the stairs, but Theodore called after me, "Wait. Have some cake.

"So, you can't say I never celebrated our anniversary with you later."

With an impatient expression, he scooped a piece of cake with a spoon and held it in front of me.

But he didn't know that since my return from death, I couldn't smell or taste anything, nor feel heat or cold.

Still, I opened my mouth and took the cake. Aside from a sticky texture, I tasted nothing.

Luckily, Theodore didn't ask any questions. He dropped the spoon and grabbed his coat, heading for the door.

"I'm leaving. I have plans tonight. Won't be back."

Maybe the cake had glued my mouth shut. Watching his unapologetic retreating figure, I couldn't say a single word.

I couldn't taste anything anymore, but a bitter feeling washed over me all the same.

When I came to my senses and was about to go upstairs, I noticed Cohen standing beside me at some point.

He sighed, his voice soft and warm. "Mrs. Godfrey, Mr. Godfrey still cares about you. You know that.

"About what happened back then, you two should talk and clear the air."

The two words "back then" made my heart clench.

But this time, I didn't avoid them like I used to. Instead, I gave a serious nod. "Alright. I'll do as you say."

Maybe dying had changed me. There were things I wanted to clarify with Theodore.

I turned and went upstairs. Looking at the bedroom devoid of any trace of Theodore, I felt dazed.

I walked to the couch at the foot of the bed and sat down, casually picking up a throw pillow.

The dead don't need to sleep. I had plenty of time to reminisce about my past with Theodore.

When my family's company went bankrupt, Theodore avoided me for three whole months.

When I lost our first child, paparazzi caught Theodore cheating.

When I first tried to get a divorce, Theodore ground his teeth and said, "Annalise, you want a divorce? Over my dead body!"

Thinking carefully, it seemed that ever since he chose to avoid me for three months without explanation, our relationship had shattered.

After that, we just endured each other, not loving enough to stay together, nor hating enough to walk away.

I leaned back against the couch and let out a long, heavy breath. "Theodore, I'll be free soon... and so will you."

I sat there all night. At the first light of dawn, I packed a few windbreakers and jackets. I couldn't feel the cold anyway. I didn't need to pretend and pack a bunch of useless stuff.

While the servants were still asleep, I put the corpse and my luggage into the car's trunk.

Theodore never paid attention to small details. Probably, he'd never notice the extra "luggage". Even if he did, he wouldn't question it.

After finishing all this, I sat in the living room, repeatedly looking at the place I had lived in for five years.

I thought I'd feel sad to leave. But when the moment came, all I felt was relief.

At eight in the morning, Theodore appeared at home on time. He was carrying a suitcase—huge, bright red, not really his style.

Seeing me look at the suitcase, Theodore smiled and explained, "All my things are at Maddy's place. I just had her pack for me."

After a brief moment of silence, a smile tugged at my lips. "It's a practical bag. She has good taste."

Under Theodore's suddenly chilling gaze, I got up, got into the car, and sat in the passenger seat.

"Let's go. We need to reach Colorado within four days."

I chose the direct route on Interstate I-90 the whole way, over three thousand kilometers.

Theodore looked surprised when he saw the navigation map I'd downloaded.

"The Pacific Coast Highway or the detour through Yellowstone National Park via Route 89 are both great options. Why pick this boring route?"

I stared out the window, speaking casually, "We only have a week. This route gets us there the fastest."

Theodore fell silent.

Around more than ten minutes later, he spoke again, "If you want to stay in Colorado longer, I can make the time."

I glanced back at him. He was staring at the road ahead, his handsome profile carrying its usual casual air.

I didn't take his words seriously. "No need. This is fine."

Even if he meant it, I couldn't wait. I had less than a week left. After a week, I'd return to dust and earth, leaving nothing behind.

Theodore looked surprised. "Annalise, since when have you become so reasonable? It's not like you."

His words caught me off guard. I asked without thinking, "What do you think I'm like, then?"

Theodore answered without hesitation. "Annoying, clingy, dramatic!"

I froze again.

Once Theodore started talking, he couldn't stop. "When we first started dating, all my friends said I'd found myself a demanding princess.

"Once, in the middle of winter, I was still in bed, and you called, saying you had period cramps, insisting I buy you painkillers. I was so panicked. I ran out without even changing out of my pajamas. When I got to your place and opened the door, you were already asleep.

"And another time, on your birthday, because the cake shop made a cake that didn't suit your taste, and you said I didn't care about you. Said I didn't even know you hated strawberries. You even threw the gift I gave you into the lake.

"I spent so long picking that gift. I was so mad I almost walked away. But when I saw your red eyes, my heart softened. I stayed and celebrated your birthday with you anyway."

Listening to his complaints, I felt somewhat dazed.

That time my stomach hurt was because I had always been in poor health, and every period felt like torture. It was Theodore who told me to tell him when I was in pain, so he could buy me painkillers.

I fell asleep because the pain was so bad that I passed out.

As for the birthday, I'd told him days in advance I wanted a mango cake. Yet what I got was a strawberry cake. And the gift I threw away in a fit of anger—I spent an entire night fishing it out of the lake.

I opened my mouth to explain, then realized it was pointless.

So, I went along with his words and asked, "If you were so displeased, why didn't you break up with me?"

Maybe it was the driving, but Theodore's brain wasn't as sharp as usual. He blurted out, "Because I loved you, of course."

The second the words left his mouth, the car fell deathly silent. I couldn't remember the last time I'd heard that word "love" from Theodore.

I only remembered that every time I threatened to break up in the past, he would plead, "Annalise, where will you find someone who loves you as much as I do?"

At our wedding, I hadn't even cried yet, but Theodore's tears were falling hard. "Annalise, I promise I'll love only you for the rest of my life. Always and forever."

And then later... I closed my eyes, unwilling to think further.

Theodore looked annoyed at his slip of the tongue. He didn't say another word for the rest of the drive.

The skyscrapers of New York fell away behind us, while the flat, open land stretched into the distance as evening settled.

Theodore slowed the car down and finally spoke, "I'm tired. You drive for a while."

I nodded. "Sure. You find a place to stay tonight, then."

For a privileged man like Theodore, I was afraid any place I picked wouldn't be good enough, so I left it to him.

Theodore didn't question it. We pulled into a rest stop and switched seats.

Theodore stretched his limbs. Getting into the passenger seat, he let out a small sound of surprise. "Annalise, you've been sitting here almost all day. Why is the seat still cold?"

My heart skipped a beat. I said casually, "Probably because it's getting late, and we're on the plateau. The temperature is too low."

Theodore didn't dwell on it. He simply turned on the seat heater. "Alright. I'll sleep a bit. If you get tired, call me."

I nodded, tapping the playlist on the car stereo.

If I weren't scared of terrifying Theodore, I could drive straight to Colorado without stopping. A ghost like me didn't need sleep.

The signal was spotty on the plateau. The car's system took almost two minutes to load.

Then music started playing softly, "And I thought that it would kill me, but it didn't. And it was so nice, so peaceful and quiet. I forgot that you existed."

I glanced at Theodore, fast asleep the second his eyes closed, worn out. I turned the volume down a little.

But it wasn't long before Theodore's phone rang. It wasn't the familiar iPhone ringtone.

My heart clenched. I knew it must be the special ringtone he'd set for Madisyn.

Before I could think any further, Theodore groggily answered the phone without a second thought. "Hey, sweetie?"

The next second, his eyes flew open suddenly. "What happened to our babe?"

Theodore and Madisyn had a kid?

My eyelid twitched hard. My foot pressed down on the gas, and the car lurched forward abruptly.

Theodore jolted, his phone slipping under the seat. He stared at me, his voice turning cold. "Annalise, now's not the time for you to throw a tantrum."

I pressed my lips together, flustered. But he bent down to pick up the phone, his tone soft as he comforted the person on the other end. "Don't panic. I'm sending a doctor over right now. Molly will be fine."

I listened, stealing glances at him as he deftly dialed another number.

"Dr. Dawson, Molly isn't feeling well. Can you go to Foothills Heights right now to check on her? I'll cover all the fees. Call me back if anything happens."

I took a deep breath and silently slowed the car back to a normal speed.

I watched his fingers tap the screen impatiently, the sound grating on my nerves. I spoke flatly, "We haven't gone far. You can go back. The kid's more important."

There was no need to delay a child's treatment for a ghost like me.

Once Theodore left, I could drive straight to Colorado without stopping, watch the sunrise over the mountains by myself, and then calmly embrace death.

The thought improved my mood slightly.

But Theodore waved a hand dismissively. "I know what's important. I wouldn't stand you up for a pet."

My grip on the steering wheel tightened. I spoke dazedly, "A pet?"

Theodore responded, "Yeah. What did you think? That Madisyn and I have a child?"

I was instantly embarrassed, but the tightness in my chest melted away.

Theodore stared at me for a long moment, then spoke suddenly, "Annalise, I'd never have a kid with anyone else.

"Illegitimate kids have inheritance rights now. But it still doesn't look good. And it wouldn't do anyone any good."

I had no idea why he was saying this. I didn't dare look at him. I just stared at the dark road lit up by our headlights.

Yet this sudden event still sent ripples through my heart.

Once, Theodore and I had a fluffy golden retriever.

It was our first year together. My mom was allergic to dog hair, so even though I loved dogs, I never thought about getting one. I'd just go to dog cafes on my days off. Even after getting together with Theodore, this habit didn't change.

He once asked me, "Annalise, you love dogs so much. Why not get one?"

I told him why. Then one sunny weekend, Theodore showed up at my door, holding a tiny, round-faced puppy in his arms.

He wore a black trench coat and jeans that day. The puppy whimpered softly in his arms. Theodore held the puppy up to me, the sun gilding his whole figure in a soft golden glow.

He said, "Annalise, you don't have to pet other people's dogs anymore. Just tell me what you wish for, and I'll make it happen for you."

In that moment, I didn't know if it was because the puppy was too cute or his smile was too bright, but that scene moved me, making my nose sting and my eyes redden.

We named the dog "Summer" later, hoping it'd be as vibrant and brilliant as summer. Then my family's company went bankrupt, and Theodore and I grew apart. One day, Summer slipped away when we weren't looking. It never came back.

At this thought, my nose stung slightly.

But then Theodore spoke plainly, "I found a hotel. We'll get off the interstate in about three hundred kilometers."

I nodded. For the rest of the drive, the only sounds were Theodore's fingers tapping his phone.

Occasionally, I could hear Madisyn's voice messages.

"The vet said Molly's just hungry. I'll feed her no food or water today. She can eat tomorrow morning."

"It's all your fault. If you'd brought her to the set to see me more, she wouldn't be so distant from me."

"Theodore, I miss you so much."

Every word carried an intimacy and familiarity, much like how I used to shamelessly flirt with Theodore.

I couldn't help but glance at him. The soft smile on his face stung my eyes. I looked away and silently increased the car's speed.

The night grew darker. The highway stretched out, dark both ahead and behind. It felt like our car was the only thing left in the world.

Theodore stared out the window, bored. When we were less than a hundred kilometers from the hotel, he spoke suddenly, "Annalise, just sitting here is boring. Let's play a game."

"What game?"

"Truth or Dare."

I froze.

After a long while, I managed to speak with difficulty. "What do you want to ask?"

Theodore straightened up, leaning a bit closer to me, his voice full of anticipation.

"When are you planning to divorce me?"

The faint scent of cedarwood lingered around me, but I felt cold all over.

I'd never thought Theodore would bring up divorce so casually.

His question cut me deep. But I refused to back down, my voice cold. "Theodore, who was it that said I could only get a divorce over your dead body?"

Theodore chuckled lazily, "Annalise, don't bring up the past. Just answer my question."

In my memory, he had only been this persistent in demanding an answer from me once before. Back then, he'd asked, "When will you finally agree to marry me?"

Now he was desperate to know when I'd agree to a divorce.

The thought made a bitter smile tug at my lips.

If Theodore had asked me this when I was still alive, I would've told him coldly, "You said no when I wanted a divorce. Now that you want one, why should I let you have your way?"

But now, I told him firmly, "When we get back from Colorado."

I am destined to vanish in Colorado, and our marriage is destined to end.

I glanced at Theodore from the corner of my eye, only to see his expression gloomy, seemingly dissatisfied.

I looked away, focusing on the road. As a living dead person, I didn't have the energy to figure out why he was mad again.

After a long while, Theodore's voice finally sounded beside me, "Alright, your turn to ask."

For some reason, his voice sounded a little tense when he said it.

I inwardly laughed at myself for overthinking and began considering my question, following his lead.

A dozen questions popped into my head.

I wanted to know why he'd run away instead of explaining himself back then and why he liked Madisyn.

I also wondered if he'd ever thought about saving our marriage in these past three years...

Yet the next second, a very clear voice in my head told me that asking more was pointless.

So, I asked simply, "Is what you and Madisyn are raising a dog? What's its name?"

"Annalise, that's your question?"

I nodded. "Yeah. Asking anything else is pointless."

In the silence, I heard Theodore's answer, gritted out through his teeth. "Molly. A dog so much smarter than Summer. Not stupid enough to run away and never find her way home!"

His voice drowned out the car music, sharp and clear, stinging my heart with every word.

This was Theodore, all right. When he wanted to hurt me, he knew exactly where to strike.

I took a deep breath, engaged the adaptive cruise control, then turned to look at Theodore.

I suppose my expression must have been unpleasant, because Theodore, who was always so proud, showed such an uncharacteristically flustered look.

I spoke coldly, "I admit I wasn't watching Summer carefully that day. But you're the last person who gets to say a word about it."

The second I realized Summer was gone, I called Theodore. But all he said was, "Annalise, can you stop being so annoying?

"If the dog's lost, go find it yourself. If you can't, you might as well not come back either."

Theodore probably remembered this, too. After a moment of silence, he spoke with difficulty, "I ... was drunk."

I turned back to the road. "If you're asking when I gave up on you, it was that day, that exact moment."

Dead silence filled the car.

My emotions settled into calm amidst this quiet. The navigation announced it was time to get off the interstate.

We drove a little further after getting off, then the car pulled up in front of the hotel.

I parked the car. Theodore and I got out, grabbing our luggage and heading inside.

Theodore had booked two adjacent suites—expensive, as always. He never skimped on his own comfort.

After checking in, we walked to our separate rooms.

I reached my door when his hoarse voice called out from behind, "Annalise, the day Summer ran away, I couldn't leave, but I had my assistant take a professional dog search team out to look for it."

I paused, then pushed the door open, shutting all sound outside.

After sitting dazedly on the sofa for a while, I took out my phone and opened a chat window.

"Sir, you can start preparing the burial ceremony now."

"In four days, the applicant's husband will bring her body to you."

After sending the messages, I set my phone down and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window.

It was pitch black and silent outside. My mind wandered. I had nothing but time now that I didn't need to sleep.

Right now, in this time I had all to myself, I thought back to when I first returned from death.

I'd woken up by Puget Sound, my clothes dry. The black body bag beside me made the agony of drowning feel like nothing but a nightmare.

But before I could feel any relief, that strange voice sounded in my ears, "Annalise, you have one week to bury yourself properly.

"This body bag will keep your corpse intact and unspoiled. Remember, you have only seven days."

Seven days.

I didn't have time to process it, only feeling the pressure of time closing in.

But the moment I pictured my own burial, words popped into my head at once: going to Colorado and letting the wilderness there claim me.

I'd once watched a documentary. I remember a line from it: "Let the soul return to the divine in the place closest to heaven. We can only seize the moment. We can only live for today."

Theodore had watched it with me. When he heard that line, he scoffed. "Live for today? Annalise, don't buy it. What I want is an eternal, forever future with you."

We were both young then, talking about death lightly. I'd asked him, "What if I die before you?"

Theodore's thick brows had furrowed, but I'd been serious, so he'd forced himself to think about it.

He'd said, "If you really leave first, wait for me at the crossing. I'll settle everything here and come find you. Then we'll walk into the next life together."

I'd loved his answer, grinning as I wrapped my arms around his lean waist. "It's a deal then. You and I will love each other forever, never apart, life after life!"

When in love, sweet nothings were never enough. But the relationship between Theodore and me couldn't even last through this lifetime.

I stared at my reflection, then pulled the curtains closed.

I was about to climb into bed when a knock sounded at the door. I walked over and opened it to find Theodore standing there.

He lifted his chin slightly. "I asked the front desk. Their kitchen serves food 24/7. Wanna go get something to eat?"

I thought for a moment and said yes, following him to the restaurant.

Even though it was nearly one in the morning, there were still quite a few people in the restaurant.

We found a seat. After sitting down, Theodore opened the electronic menu on the table first.

I watched him order quickly, speaking up, "It's late. You don't need to order too much. I'm not that hungry."

Theodore responded, "I know. I got you black coffee and a bison bacon burger. You hardly ate anything today. Don't want your stomach acting up.

"Also, Hey, want to try the chocolate lava cake? You love this kind of sickly-sweet stuff."

Watching him know my preferences so well, I felt a lump in my throat.

Not getting an answer, he looked up, puzzled. "What's wrong? Yes or no?"

I nodded. "Get one to try."

Even if I couldn't taste it or feel hot and cold, I didn't want to ruin his mood.

I sighed quietly. For the first time, I thought about how nice it would be if I were still alive.

Soon, elegantly plated dishes arrived. I forced myself to chew and swallow, acting like I was savoring every bite.

I smiled at Theodore, who'd been staring at me the whole time. "It's really good."

Theodore frowned. "Aren't you allergic to peanuts? Why are you fine after eating that?"

My temple throbbed. I stared at the half peanut left on my plate, then popped it into my mouth casually.

"You must be mistaken. It's probably a local nut here. Definitely not a peanut."

Theodore pressed his lips together, but he didn't ask any more questions.

After we finished eating, we walked out of the restaurant one after the other.

We'd just stepped outside when a group of young students swarmed over.

"Hi there! We're students from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. For our final project, we need to photograph one hundred couples for material. Could you help us out?"

I glanced at Theodore, instinctively wanting to refuse, but saw him silently step to my side.

"Sure. But she's not my girlfriend. She's my soon-to-be ex-wife. Make sure you write that clearly."

His words left the students stunned, their hands freezing on their cameras, unsure what to do.

I could only smile, "It's fine. We're divorcing amicably. Go ahead and take the photo. It's getting late and cold."

"Okay, thank you both!"

After a series of flashes, Theodore and I walked toward the elevator amidst the students' thanks.

Before stepping into the elevator, I glanced back on instinct.

I saw those students at the restaurant door staring at their cameras in horror.

"What's going on? Why does the photo only show the gentleman?"

I froze when I heard those words.

I reached for my phone on instinct to check if they were telling the truth, but Theodore nudged my arm suddenly.

Theodore looked tired, speaking lazily, "What are you standing there for? Get in the elevator. I'm a bit sleepy."

He had always been like this, spoiled and self-centered, but I couldn't be bothered to argue now.

I slipped my phone back in my pocket and stepped in. Theodore spoke suddenly, "I checked the weather forecast. There's a high chance of rain tonight. If you're afraid of staying alone, you can come to my room. I booked a suite."

I stared back at him and smiled, "Theodore, I'm 28. I won't be frightened by the dark or thunder and end up crying in your arms."

At 18, I was loved and cared for. At 28, after years of independence, I had long since learned to be strong.

Theodore fell silent briefly before scoffing, "Annalise, you really don't appreciate kindness."

I didn't reply. The second the elevator doors opened, I walked straight back to my room.

I closed the door, turned on the light, and pulled out my phone again, opening the front camera. I pointed it slowly at myself.

The 18-megapixel camera captured every detail with perfect clarity, except for me.

There was no trace of my image at all. My hand holding the phone suddenly turned cold. My heart sank heavily.

I turned to look at my reflection in the mirror, forcing a faint smile. "What a shame. I can see myself in the mirror, but I can't even leave behind a decent portrait for my own memorial."

I'd originally planned to take a selfie when the sunrise washed the mountain peaks in gold. Even facing death, I still wanted my life to be frozen for a moment in that sacred, magnificent light.

I sighed silently, closed the camera, and scrolled aimlessly. Finally, I tapped into Theodore's Instagram.

His Instagram background was still the photo we took years ago on Sanibel Island. We'd been holding hands, throwing up a cheesy peace sign, grinning at the camera.

Theodore was strange. Even though the women around him changed constantly and the media all knew he was a playboy, he had never changed his background photo.

I thought it was just to humiliate me because right below it, his feed was filled with sweet moments with Madisyn.

I'd blocked his Instagram after we fell apart—out of sight, out of mind. But I couldn't say how much of it was just running from the truth.

This night was harder to endure than the last and felt even longer. Yet, even the longest night breaks at dawn.

At seven in the morning, I packed my bags and knocked on Theodore's door.

The door opened two minutes later. Theodore's eyes were half-closed, his whole body radiating irritation. "Annalise, what's the rush? Can't you let me get a good night's sleep?

"It's not like I'd turn back halfway even if a week isn't enough.

"You're always like this. You only care about your own convenience and don't give a damn about anyone else."

A coldness settled in my heart. I thought Theodore was self-centered, but it turned out he thought the same of me.

I kept my voice calm and explained, "I'm sorry. But I really want to get to Colorado as soon as possible. Is that okay?"

I watched his irritation fade a little. He stepped aside and said, "Fine, come in and wait. I need to get ready."

I carried my luggage in and sat down.

Not long after, Theodore called out, "Annalise, grab me a set of clothes for me from the suitcase."

I bit back a sigh and dragged myself over. I froze when I opened the suitcase.

Besides his essential clothes, the transparent compartment was lined with Madisyn's photos, neat and tidy. Her award photos, casual home shots, holding the puppy—she looked happy in every single one.

The photos made my heart ache, a dull, sour pain. I stood there, stunned.

I didn't notice the water in the bathroom stop, or that Theodore had peeked out the door, watching me for a long time.

Then, he spoke leisurely, "What are you looking at? I took all of these with the photography skills you taught me."

I shifted my gaze, randomly grabbed some clothes, and threw them hard at him. "Theodore, I know all about reaping what others sow. You don't have to rub it in."

As I turned, I heard Theodore give a light laugh and say calmly, "Annalise, you're jealous."

The frustration in my chest intensified.

I opened my mouth to snap at him, but then he said in a serious voice, "Annie, when we get back from Colorado, let's find a time to talk properly."

His sudden softened tone made my body freeze.

After a long while, I finally lowered my eyes wearily, feeling my eyes welling up, and silently smiled.

"Yeah. Alright," I responded.

I didn't tell Theodore that it was impossible for me to return from Colorado, and that I was destined to break my promise to him.

But it doesn't matter; soon, he will know.

The moment the car entered Denver, my heart tightened.

According to the agreement with the Grim Reaper, the day after tomorrow is when I am supposed to leave.

I had already arranged with Kendall Wright that the day after tomorrow, early in the morning, Theodore would deliver my body there.

As for how to get Theodore to agree, I wasn't worried at all.

Even though he no longer loves me, he wouldn't refuse me such a small request.

Denver, Montview Garden Columbarium, the final destination of my life as Annalise, was now right before my eyes.

Very soon, Theodore and I completed the check-in procedures.

Before entering the room, I couldn't help but call out to Theodore. "Tomorrow morning at six thirty, let's go see the peaks bathed in golden sunlight."

This time, Theodore didn't refuse. He simply said, "Alright," and closed the door.

After a night's rest, at six thirty in the morning, I received a text from Theodore: "I'm waiting for you in the car."

I picked up my phone, went downstairs, got in the car—all in one smooth motion.

After the car had driven for a while, Theodore suddenly spoke. "Annalise, after we see the peaks bathed in golden sunlight, our journey will come to an end. Don't you have anything you want to say to me?"

I clenched my hands, thought of the decision I made before leaving, and finally spoke slowly. "Theodore, from the moment my family went bankrupt until now, have you ever regretted it?"

The veins on the back of Theodore's hand stood out. After a long silence, his cold voice sounded, "I have."

"I regret not conducting an asset risk assessment on the Hayworth family before marrying you."

"Because your family suddenly went bankrupt, I thought our perfect marriage had cracks as well. That was my mistake."

His words were icy and precise, each one cutting deep. My heart seemed to skip a beat.

Before I could say anything, the car came to a sudden stop.

Theodore didn't even look at me. "We're here. This is the place to see the peaks bathed in golden sunlight. Go see it yourself."

I got out of the car in a daze and walked toward the viewing spot.

Just as I stood still, a golden ray of light broke through the clouds, shining directly on the cold, pure white summit of the snowy mountain.

I stared blankly; this sacred and magnificent scene would leave anyone who saw it speechless with awe.

In such a vast world, all the things I had clung to and couldn't let go of suddenly vanished without a trace.

Facing that golden light, I pressed my palms together and silently prayed in my heart—

"If there is a spirit in the heavens, please let me leave smoothly."

The peaks bathed in golden sunlight lasted less than fifteen minutes. When I returned to the car, Theodore had already put away his phone.

Back in the hotel room, after much thought, I finally sent Kendall's address to Theodore.

He replied quickly: "Where is this?"

"Theodore, tomorrow morning, could you help me take the luggage I put in the trunk to this place?"

"Alright."

He neither asked why I wanted to do this nor what it was. Theodore was always this indifferent toward things he didn't care about.

I put down my phone, tugged at the corners of my lips, and didn't reply with another word.

Just like that, as the moon set and the sun rose, Theodore's voice sounded outside the door, "Annalise, it's time to go."

I answered, "Alright," and got up to leave.

Twenty minutes later, Theodore parked the car steadily in front of Kendall's door.

Sitting in the passenger seat, I felt dizzy, as if I didn't even have the strength to open my eyes.

Vaguely, I heard Theodore's voice, "Annalise, what's wrong? Altitude sickness?"

I raised my hand toward him, my voice very low. "Don't worry about me, just give the things..."

There was no more sound in my ears.

Worried, I forced my eyes open and saw Theodore carrying my body bag and knocking on Kendall's door.

I heard their conversation.

"Are you a family member of Ms. Hayworth?"

"Yes."

"Alright, give me the items. I'll get the form for you to sign."

Hearing this, the anxiety in my heart finally eased. But at that moment, I suddenly froze.

In the depths of my mind, a voice echoed in my ears: "Annalise, time is up."

As that voice sounded, my body began to disappear at an unimaginable speed.

In my final moments, I looked out the window and silently mouthed words to the man standing there.

"Theodore, farewell forever."

In less than three seconds, my figure vanished like steam inside the car.

At the door, Theodore, worried about my 'altitude sickness,' was about to turn around when Kendall called out to him.

"This is the Natural Burial procedure form. Please sign at the bottom."

Theodore's hand, which was about to take the form, froze. He thought he had misheard.

"What did you say? Natural Burial?"

Kendall looked at him seriously. "You are Ms. Hayworth's only family member in this world."

"You even brought her body here. If you don't sign this procedure form, who will?"

"Ms. Hayworth has been dead for seven days. If you don't hurry, there will be no way to hold the ceremony."

Theodore abruptly withdrew his hand, his tone cold and hard. "You're talking nonsense! What Natural Burial? What body! She's clearly sitting in the car just fine!"

After saying this, he ignored Kendall's reaction and strode toward the car parked not far away.

"Annalise, explain this to me..."

He yanked open the car door, only to find the entire car completely empty.