Fredric’s POVFour hours have passed since the evacuation, and I still haven't found anything that truly leads me to an answer regarding Mathilda's death. I mean... they haven't even found her body.I don't know how many times my grandmother has called since then. After taking her back to the hospital and seeing her suddenly faint, I asked the nurses and assistants to keep a close eye on her. If I hadn't, she surely would have insisted on coming here.The officers are still searching the area and collecting the remains from the accident. The last thing they said was that the car would be removed this afternoon."Mr. Fredric, we found this," one of the officers said as they approached.They handed me something: a charred phone, almost unrecognizable... except for the small sunflower keychain in one corner.It belonged to Mathilda."Didn't you find anything else? I mean... my wife's body?""I'm sorry, Mr. Fredric," one of them replied. "We've searched the entire incident area. There are

Fredric’s POVMy eyes locked onto the flashing headline on the television screen.“An accident in Silent Drop claimed the life of the wife of renowned CEO, Fredric Liam Smith—heir to the Jones family—Mathilda Eveline Brown. The accident is suspected to be a suicide, based on the discovery of thermite-type chemicals at the scene. Aside from Mathilda, the other victim was a man whose identity remains unknown. The motive for the suicide remains under investigation, but it is strongly suspected to be related to an infidelity case between Mathilda and—”“Damn it!”I turned off the TV immediately. My breathing quickened; my blood boiled. How could the media dare to spread such an absurd accusation that couldn't even be proven?I had just turned around to go find my grandmother, but when I turned, she was already standing behind me.“What's wrong, Fredric?” she asked in a flat but sharp voice. “Why do you seem angry and upset upon hearing the news of Mathilda's death?”“Of course I'm angry,

Fredric’s POVFour days have passed without Mathilda. After yesterday's burial of the casket containing her clothes and the ashes of her body, I could only remain silent in my room, waiting for another chapter in my life.Only now do I realize that Mathilda's death has had such a massive impact—not because of the accusations my grandmother made, but because my heart is becoming increasingly shattered.Every night since that accident, I always dream of Mathilda. I even feel like she is right beside me, my heart warming somewhere between longing and restlessness.Why was I so cruel to her that day? Why didn't I simply confess this love to her?"Fredric."My grandmother's voice interrupted my thoughts. I got out of bed right away; surely the police were coming to interrogate me.I paused for a moment in front of the mirror, looking at my face with dark circles growing more pronounced because I can't sleep at all.Closing my eyes for even a second brings Mathilda's image to my mind. I hav

Fredric’s POVGlass after glass, I drank to soothe my confused mind. Two hours have passed since I left the house, and my heart is a complete mess.Even though I can still reach out to my grandmother, it isn't the same. I've really been thrown out, and she is thoroughly disappointed in me.That has been my worst nightmare for as long as I can remember.I've been ignoring my grandmother's calls for the last half hour; she wanted to invite me to dinner.I didn't answer because… where would I even show my face? It's clear my cousins would look at me like I'm absolute trash."Sorry to keep you waiting."That familiar body scent and that distinct raspy voice arrive.Paula smiles broadly as she pats my shoulder."One, two… seven glasses!" Paula seems to count the glasses in front of me. "I thought you'd be past twenty by now and passed out on the floor.""Cut the chatter—just tell me what your real goal is!"I push the glass back toward the bartender, but Paula signals him to stop."I was g

Fredric’s POVMy grandmother and Paula stared at each other with coldness and disdain. I didn't want to take another step or trigger something worse, so I grabbed Paula's hand."Enough, we're leaving," I said."Why should we leave? Are you deaf? Your grandmother just did something that screws you over, Fredric! Are you really going to let all your cars—the ones you bought with the money you earned running the family business—vanish just like that?" Paula screamed.I looked at my grandmother, who crossed her arms and raised her chin with a sarcastic smile."What my grandmother did was her choice, and I respect it. I beg you to—"My sentence was cut short as Paula yanked my arm and pointed a gun at my head.My grandmother's expression shifted; for a brief second, worry was evident. Two bodyguards rushed toward us, aiming their weapons at Paula.Damn it. In that moment, I wished Paula would just pull the trigger and end it all. At least then this hell would be over."Do you think I'm afr