Chapter 8
When she woke up again, the entire world was swaying.
Dr. Mitchell was beside to her and said: “Don’t worry, you’re on a ship bound for Australia. We should reach shore in about three days.”
On the ship, Dr. Mitchell told her what had happened after she lost consciousness.
than hadn’t tried to kill her–he’d just given her sleeping pills.
When she was taken to the hospital, she was only unconscious, not in any life–threatening danger.
Dr. Mitchell showed her a video from the hospital’s security cameras-
Ethan was slipping a bank card to a young nurse, speaking in low tones: “Give my wife one injection of sedative every day. Make sure she doesn’t wake up, but don’t actually hurt her.”
The nurse asked: “How long should I keep doing this?”
“I’ll let you know when to stop. Shouldn’t be too long. I just got a new toy that I’m pretty obsessed with right now. Once I get bored, I’ll come pick up my wife and take her home.”
The screen went black. Video ended.
Dr. Mitchell said: “I told him that your body was too weak to handle what should have been a safe dose of sedatives. You went into cardiac arrest and died three days ago in the early morning hours. I’ve taken care of everything with the hospital, and following your grandmother’s instructions, we used her body as a substitute and sent it to the crematorium.”
Grandma…
Claire felt a dull ache in her chest.
“Your grandma also left you a voice recording,” Dr. Mitchell said.
He played another recording-
“Claire…”
The moment her grandmother’s voice came through, Claire broke down sobbing.
“You have to live well, sweetheart. Live your life to the fullest–happier than anyone, more joyful than anyone. This is the last thing Grandma can do for you, so don’t let me down.”
“Claire, it’s okay that you made the wrong choice. What matters is having the courage to start over. You’re still young, with endless possibilities ahead of you. Grandma and your parents will all be watching over you from heaven.”
The golden light of sunset streamed down, warm and peaceful.
It felt like her grandmother’s hand, gently caressing her face.
Claire stopped crying and gazed out at the sunset over the ocean.
Yes, her grandmother had given her a second chance at life. She had to make it count.
22:03
Two Chances, One Bullet: How His “Next Life” Promise Failed
85.1%
Chapter 8
She would live brilliantly–for her parents, for her grandmother, and for herself!
That afternoon, at the Thompson estate, the master bedroom was thick with the aftermath of passion.
Tiffany nestled against Ethan’s chest, slightly breathless as she asked: “Mr. Ethan, aren’t we being a little too bold? What if your wife finds out and gets mad? She’s so jealous–what if she fires me? Then I’d never get to see you again.”
As she spoke, she bit her lower lip, transforming her plain features into something heartbreakingly vulnerable.
Around Claire, Ethan had always felt like she outshone him–so beautiful it was almost intimidating, making his heart race while also making him feel like he could only look up to her.
But Tiffany was different. She had no education, no real skills–just a decent face and an innocent air. She was a nanny who looked at him like he hung the moon, someone who depended on him along with her whole family. She gave him a sense of superiority and worship he’d never experienced before.
“Don’t worry about that. She won’t be coming home anytime soon.” Ethan pulled Tiffany closer, chuckling smugly. “We’ll have plenty of time to get… acquainted. You can see me whenever you want.”
A flash of guilt about Claire lying unconscious in the hospital flickered through his mind.
But when Tiffany wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed against him like a helpless little bird, that guilt vanished
without a trace.
Tiffany was thrilled to hear Claire wouldn’t be coming home, but she didn’t let it show. Instead, she continued playing worried: “Really? You’re not just saying that, are you?”
The lies rolled off Ethan’s tongue: “Of course not.”
Tiffany pushed a little further: “But this is your marital bedroom. When Mrs. Thompson was home, I wasn’t even allowed to come in here. What if she finds out I’ve been wearing her nightgowns, sleeping on her pillow, sleeping with her husband?
She’ll be furious.”
Her words made Ethan’s blood run hot, his breathing becoming ragged. Without warning, he flipped her onto her back and kissed her hard as she giggled beneath him.
22:03
