Chapter 6
While my family home descended into chaos, Ryan was blissfully unaware that I was gone.
He had gone back to the clinic to see Ella again.
My spirit followed him, watching as he gently changed the bandage on her hand.
“Does it still hurt?”
Ryan’s voice was softer than I’d heard it in a long, long time.
Ella shook her head, her eyes glistening with tears. “Not anymore. Not when you’re here.”
“Sophie went too far,” Ryan said, his voice laced with anger. “When she finally shows up, I swear I’ll make her regret it!” “Don’t blame Sophie,” Ella said, her fingers tightening around his hand. “She was probably just desperate for everyone’s attention.”
The sight of her pain only tightened the knot of protectiveness in his chest.
“Ella, you’re too kind. She hurts you like this, and you still defend her.”
“I just worry about her,” Ella whispered, leaning into Ryan’s arms. “Sophie has been so lonely her whole life. She just needs to be loved.”
Ryan stroked her hair.
“What she needs is a lesson, not love. Selfish people like her only know how to hurt others.”
“Look at your hand. Look what she did to you.”
Ella sobbed against his chest.
“Ryan, I’m scared. What if my sister hates me…”
“She won’t get the chance,” Ryan said, holding her tight. “I’ll protect you. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” “Including Sophie.”
I floated nearby, listening to them paint me as a villain.
They spoke of my viciousness, my selfishness.
But who among them knew I was already a cold
corpse?
“Ryan,” Ella said softly, “there’s something I’ve always wanted to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“I know you feel… differently about me,” she said, her cheeks flushing. “And I…”
Ryan was silent for a long moment.
“Ella, we can’t.”
“Why not?” Ella looked up, her expression wounded “You don’t love Sophie. The entire family can see it.
My ghostly form stilled. I didn’t expect his answer.
“I don’t love her… do 17 Ryan hesitated, then shook his head as if to clear it “Sophie is my mate We’re supposed to have our Mating Ceremony soon
“Then cancel it,” Ella said urgently “You said it yourself yesterday, didn’t you? That if anything happened to me, you’d cance
Chapter 6
it.”
No, Ella, I can’t. I only said that to teach her a lesson.” Ryan lowered his head, avoiding her gaze. “I’ve always thought of you as a little sister… My mate is Sophie. It will only ever be Sophie.”
Ella stared at him in disbelief, fresh tears spilling from her eyes.
My spirit heard his confession, but my heart felt nothing.
Ryan, I’m already dead. Your love is far too little, and much too late.
“Ryan, I always knew Sophie was more likable. I don’t blame you. It’s my fault for not being good enough…” Ella cried, clinging to him. Ryan hesitated, not pushing her away.
Just then, his phone rang. It was Conner.
“That must be Sophie. She’s probably home,” Ryan said, a flicker of relief in his eyes. “Ella, don’t cry. I’m going to give her a piece of my mind.”
He answered the phone.
But it wasn’t news of my return. It was…
“Ryan, Sophie’s dead! What the hell kind of mate were you?!”
Ryan’s eyes widened. “Sophie’s… dead?”
The phone slipped from his numb fingers and clattered to the floor. The memory of my last, desperate call must have crashed down on him. He sank to his knees, his face a canvas of dawning horror.
He finally understood. I wasn’t throwing a tantrum. I wasn’t fighting for attention.
was never coming back.
