Chapter 7
Back then, he often stood on the overpass, by the riverside, or atop a rooftop, letting the cold wind lash against him, numbing everything else away.
He lit a cigarette, his gaze distant, unfocused.
During those nights, Natalie would always find him. She would step forward, slip her arms around him, and whisper soft reassurances, her warmth anchoring him in a way nothing else could.
The neon lights in the distance flickered. The cigarette burned down, its embers searing his fingertips, yanking Charles back to reality.
He lingered a little longer. Only after the biting wind and nicotine had settled the storm within him did he turn back to his car and continue driving.
He had thought it through. He had acted recklessly this time. He needed to return and apologize to Natalie properly.”
By the time he pulled up in front of the courtyard, the sky had darkened completely.
Charles glanced at his phone, frowning at the time. He had wasted too many hours at the hospital.
Lifting his gaze, he looked toward the house.
Not a single light was on.
Something tightened in his chest, a dull ache pressing against his ribs, cold, unsettling.
He entered the passcode, ready to step inside, when a voice from next door suddenly called out to him.
Charles frowned slightly. He recognized this neighbor; she was close to Natalie. Whenever Natalie felt restless at home, she would often go out shopping with her.
“Charles, I’m going shopping with the lady next door today. Which outfit do you think I should wear?”
Natalie had smiled softly; her brows arched in that familiar, gentle curve.}]
For a moment, Charles stood frozen. The memory surfaced so vividly, so unexpectedly, that he almost forgot where he was.
His gaze flickered toward the neighbor, and without realizing it, he took a step forward.
A silent exchange passed between them before she finally spoke.
She carefully handed him the luxury coffee beans set, one he instantly recognized, Natalie’s most treasured collection.} His expression darkened.
“This coffee beans set is something Natalie cherishes. I really can’t accept it. But she was so insistent this afternoon that I couldn’t refuse… So I’ll have to trouble you to take it back.“}
As they parted, the neighbor hesitated. Then, as if unable to hold back, she spoke again.}]
“I’ve known Natalie for years. She’s always been gentle yet strong. You’re her husband, whatever happens, you should talk things through with her. To be honest, seeing her in so much pain today… it just didn’t feel right.”
Standing at the entrance of the backyard, Charles gripped the coffee beans set in his hands, caught in hesitation. He didn’t know whether to step inside or remain where he was.
He had already searched the entire house. Natalie was nowhere to be found.}
The full–length mirror beside him reflected his shadowed expression, his gaze dull, his posture stiff. He lowered his head, looking like a stray abandoned in the rain.
off.
After countless attempts, the call finally connected, only for a cold, mechanical voice to inform him that the phone had been turned
A bitter chill seeped into his bones.
Slowly, Charles set the coffee down on the nearby table, his fingers trembling as he reached for the backyard door.”
The hinges groaned in protest as it swung open, despite being in perfect condition, an eerie sound, like a whisper of finality. Then, the lights flickered on.”
Charles froze.”
His pupils contracted, and his breath stilled.
When the neighbors told him earlier, Charles had dismissed it as one of Natalie’s attempts to stir his emotions, to make him panic. But now, a bone–deep chill spread through him, his blood seeming to rush backward.
Stiffly, he moved toward the tulip tree, his limbs heavy, each step dragging like he was wading through water. An invisible hand clenched around his heart, squeezing the air from his lungs.”
Then, the doorbell rang.
His body sagged, drained of strength. He had no energy to get up, no will to answer.
Instead, he pulled out his phone, connecting to the surveillance feed. The screen flickered to life, revealing a group of workers at the gate, their uniforms neat and their expressions neutral.
He tapped the audio function, his voice low, almost hollow.”
“What is it?”
A brief explanation followed.
Me Over A Child That Was Never Hie
7:56 AM
gate, their uniforms neat and their expressions neutral.
He tapped the audio function, his voice low, almost hollow.
“What is it?”
A brief explanation followed.
Silence stretched in response.
Charles lowered his gaze to the fallen tulip tree. A storm of emotions swirled in his eyes, raw, unspoken. His throat bobbed as if he wanted to say something, but after several attempts, no words came.}}
In the end, he swallowed the ache pressing against his ribs.”
“There’s no need now. Sorry for making you come all this way.“}
With slow, deliberate movements, he carried out the small square table, then brought out two chairs.
