(Peyton's POV)
There were times where I wished that I could live a long,fulfilled life.Or that I'd live to be 80 years old with the love of my life.Or at the very least,die a peaceful death,but that wasn't my case.
Here I was,hovering around this godforsaken place.Truth is,I died,but my soul somehow couldn't leave Mason Reed–my ex.How crazy was that?!!
I never believed in ghost stories and stuff like that,but seeing myself as a ghost really was a wake-up call.
As I floated in mid-air,watching Mason with his arm around Harper Reese's shoulders,I felt like puking.
His expression was tender,yes,he could be tender.When Mason was in love,everything he did for that person was treasured.I once was one of such people–the only one.
So,seeing him display this level of affection for Harper irked me.It was supposed to be me in her place,but since the accident which caused his memory loss,it was never me anymore.
Today was Harper's birthday,and Mason had gathered his friends to celebrate her.He really went all out for her.
"Dude,where's Peyton?"someone asked."Isn't she always clinging to you like she was stuck with glue?"
"Try calling her,let's see if she'll be here within 30 minutes!!"They laughed,taking sips out of their wine glass.
"That's right!Let's see if she lives up to her'30-minutes queen'title."
"I would really love to see that,"another one said,bellowing in laughter,as he ruffled his hair with the other free hand.
I listened to them take turns in making fun of me,but then I looked at Mason Reed,he wasn't smiling,but his eyes gleamed with satisfaction as they made fun of me.He didn't stop them and from the way he looked,he wasn't going to.
"Guys,chill out.There's no need calling her.She'd only ruin the mood and I certainly don't want that happening,so let's not jinx it,alright?"Mason said,while drawing invincible patterns on Harper's body.
I sneered at them.Putting the pieces together,it seemed they had been betting on me all along.To them,I was just some game that they could play with it.
On several occasions,I'd received calls from Mason while working late.Sometimes he was genuinely drunk,but more times than nought,it was just a bet between him and his useless friends.
"On a serious note,bro,I haven't seen Peyton in a long time.Is everything okay?"Zane Maddox,Mason's closest friend,asked.Was he genuinely concerned about me or was he just faking it?
I turned to him,wondering if he'd sensed that something was off.Did he know something about my death?
The night I died,it felt like someone attacked me from behind.I wasn't so sure about how I died cause my head throbbed with pain then.
And when I woke up,I noticed that my soul was trapped here.
"You have nothing to worry about,"he said,irritation in his voice."She's better off disappearing.At some point,it was nauseating because she was always clinging to me,pretending to be sick in front of my parents."
I stood before him,shouting,"I wasn't pretending,you douchebag!I really was sick!"
But he couldn't hear me.What was I expecting?He thought I made up my illness to guilt-trip him into marrying me which was far from the truth.
He had forgotten the car accident that caused damage to my brain.The blood clot still pressed against my brain nerves that caused me to severe headaches every few days.In all of those times,I never told anyone because I thought it was best I handled it.
But when Mrs Reed discovered it,I had to tell her the truth.I couldn't lie to her.When Mason found out,to him,it seemed I was looking for sympathy of some kind.
He believed that I used it to trap him.He had completely forgotten that we were on our way to the city hall when the accident occurred.
Afterward,he lost his memories of me,only thinking of me as a clingy,vile woman.I guess it was my fault for loving him unconditionally even when the odds were against me.
"Be careful about what you say,Mason.You might end up regretting it,"Zane cautioned."Besides,I sent her some text messages a few days ago which she hasn't replied to.It's weird."
His annoyance grew."She's just a toxic ex,who always causes trouble for Harper.It will be a relief if she disappears for good."
You got your wish,Mason.I'm really dead.Happy now?
"Well,in case you have forgotten,there are people who shouldn't be messed me with,"Zane said,his words making me shiver.Who was he talking about?
"For your information,I installed cameras at her place,but nothing suspicious has showed up yet,so just chill out,"he said,leaning back into the chair.He really sounded cocky.But then again,cameras?
"Mason,what if something has happened to her?"Harper asked tearfully."My dad's enemies are ruthless...I'm scared that they'll hurt her."
He comforted her,holding her close.The sight before me disgusted me.Everyone could see that she was putting on a show!But Mason was too blind to see it.Jerk!
"Don't worry,you've moved out of the apartment,so they can't find you.You're safe now,Harper,"Mason reassured her,almost like be was cooing."Peyton's a black belt in Taekwondo.She can handle herself."
Harper trembled,her eyes brimming with unshed tears,her lips quivering.
"I didn't think they'd still find me...I'm so sorry.And to think that you just bought that apartment for me."
I glared at Mason,fury burning within me.What the actual hell was going on?!!
Now I finally understood why he generously gave me the apartment.It was his cast-off gift.I realize how ridiculous I'd been.
He gave me someone else's discarded gift,and I gave my life in return.How wicked could he be?Trading my life for her freaking safety!!!
____
CHAPTER 2(Peyton's POV)
A month ago,Mason had arranged for his assistant to move me into the luxurious Dazzle Apartment Complex,saying that it was a gift.I didn't think much of it.In fact,I was very happy.I guess that was a lie as well.
He also gave me some clothes,but now I see Harper wearing the same design,and it all kind of come together.There were all lies.He played me like a fiddle and I danced to the tune.
I thought maybe he'd regained his memory,feeling guilty for his actions after losing it,but no,he just wanted me to be Harper Reese's substitute!!That was how low he thought of me.
My life wasn't even a life to begin with.It felt like I was a puppet being controlled by the puppet master.I really was naive,but I guess there were no second chances for the dead,huh?
Mason's phone rang;it was his mother,Mrs Reed.
"Young man,I told you to come home early tonight,didn't I?"She said.
"Yes,mum,"he responded,signaling on his degenerates that he called friends to quiet down.I could see them muffling their laughter.Birds of the same feathers flocked together indeed.
"Then why are you still out,Mason?"
"I know.There's no need to make a fuss about it.I'll drop Harper off and head back,"he said,massaging his temples as his eyebrows furrowed.
"I knew you were with that damn woman,"she said,clearly seething in anger."Mason,how can you be so heartless!Your fiancée is..."
Before she could finish her statement,Mason hung up,his fingers white-knuckled from gripping the phone tightly.
"That psychopath must have said something to my mom again!"He fumed."I mean,doesn't she get the memo?I do not want her!!She pretends to be missing in front of us but who knows what she's plotting behind our backs!"
My head began to ache again.The damn headache!I thought death would end my pain,but it seems that even death didn't want me to have peace.
Now I really just wanted my soul to disappear,freeing me from the sick bastard before me,but I also wanted to see the end of this.
After he was done with the party,he dropped Harper off and went back to the his home.My spirit unwillingly followed Mason to the Reed residence.
"Mom,did Peyton say something to you again?"He asked,lighting a cigarette,placing it on his lips and taking a puff.
Mrs Reed quirked her right eyebrow."What are you talking about?"
I couldn't bear his baseless accusations anymore.I stood before him,yelliny words and hoping that it would sink into his thick skull.
"Mason Reed,I've had enough of your shenanigans!I'm dead!So shut your lying mouth up,because I never spoke bad about you to your mother!"
The tears welled up,threatening to spill but he couldn't see me."Why can't you believe me?"
"Didn't I say that I'm done with her?"Mason said.He continued further by saying,"I do not love her.The sight of her makes me sick to my stomach!"
"What nonsense are you blabbing on about?I haven't heard or seen her in two weeks,"his mother replied,sorrow in her voice.
"You two were once deeply in love...so why do you suddenly hate her so much?For all I know,Peyton has been nothing short of amazing.Look,next week's family reunion would be a good chance for you both to reconcile your differences,okay?"
"Bring her along?No,I'd rather bring Harper!She's the one I want and not needy Peyton."Mason's words echoed through the room as he laughed coldly.
"Harper?"Mrs Reed questioned."There is no way you're bringing that damn woman to a family event,and that's final!"
"It is obvious that Peyton timed it perfectly,spreading rumors before the reunion so she'd be able to manipulate me into marrying her."
"Forget it!"He smirked,and left.
Watching him leave,I coldly laughed.It seemed I'd automatically be guilty,regardless of my actions.Even if I did nothing,I would still be tagged guilty.
Mrs Reed sighed,shaking her head,her eyelids drooped.She was sad at the turn of events.
"I'm so sorry,Mrs Reed,"I murmured.Though she couldn't hear me,I couldn't help but apologize.
She was my mother's close friend and had always treated me like her own daughter since my parents passed away.
Before the car accident,she and Mason were the only light in my life.Basically,they were the source of my joy and I was genuinely happy then.
Afterward,despite Mason's constant lies in a bid to belittle me before her and everyone else,she still believed in me.
She genuinely cared and helped me find top doctors when she learned about my condition.If she found out that I was dead,would she mourn for me?
Perhaps she'd be one of the few to shed tears for me–she and my best friend,Skylar.
____
CHAPTER 3(Peyton's POV)
My spirit has been tied to Mason Reed for a week.Even I was beginning to find everything funny.It was as if life was making a mockery of me.Wasn't it bad enough that I died?Did I have to be sucked back to a world where I was constantly hated and berated?
Goodness gracious!!I had done absolutely nothing wrong to deserve this punishment even in the afterlife.
But today,the Reed family held a grand banquet.I was a ghost so I didn't need to play dress up.Though the rest of the family came prepared.
Their luxurious mansion shone brightly,filled with elegant guests whose taste for fashion were incredible.
I watched as Mason walked into the hall,hand in hand with Harper Reese.They made a perfect couple.If I wasn't in the picture,I'd probably envy them if I was a guest at the reunion as well.
The murmurs began circulating like wildfire,each having something to say.As the relatives looked over the star-studded couple,they couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
"Did Mason Reed finally come with his girlfriend?"One of the relatives whispered.
"I heard they're announcing their engagement as well.I wonder which heiress caught his eyes."
"I know right!!"
I was sure that Harper was pleased with the whispers with the way her grip on Mason's arm tightened.
Mrs Reed who was initially welcoming the guests with a smile,turned stern upon seeing Harper Reese clutching onto her son.She couldn't hide her disdain for her
A bright smile made its way to her face as she greeted her timidly,"Good evening,Mrs Reed.Thank you so much for inviting me."
Mason's mother responded coldly,"This is a Reed's family gathering.I do not understand why Miss Harper is here."
Harper's eyes redden,brimming with tears,and as always,Mason stepped in to save his damsel in distress."Mum,we shouldn't cause a scene here."
Mrs Reed gave her a once-over look,"This is a family affair,Mason.Strangers aren't allowed here."
Harper turned to Mason,seeking his help with a glance.I was excited that Mrs Reed was making her suffer.If I couldn't do it anymore,someone had to do it in my stead,right?
"Isn't Mason engaged to the Vaughn's daughter?"a cousin asked,curiosity clear in her tone.
"Wasn't it Peyton?Weren't they planning to register their marriage?"another cousin thought out loud.
Mason overheard everything,his expression darkening.His eyes burning with anger with unsaid words.
"What's the meaning of this,mom?"Mason asks,his voice firm."Harper Reese is my woman and she has every right to attend our family banquet."
He threw a deadly glare at his relatives,shutting them up instantly.
"Some women are totally shameless,always scheming,plotting and misleading others into thinking that they are the Reeds family's daughter-in-law.We're all adults here,so don't be fooled by these type of manipulative women!"
I sneered.I swear,if I could smack him from where I was,I would.How dare he say such lies about me?
How could they even listen to him and conclude in my absence?It seemed like disliking someone gave one the right to tell lies about them.
I didn't want to see Mason's face,but I caught Harper's subtle,but almost visible triumphant smile.She was enjoying this.
Just then,Mason's phone rings.It was my best friend,Skylar Wade.
"Mason Reed,what the hell did you do to Peyton?Where did you hide her?"Skylar's said,rambling into the phone.Her voice was urgent and berserk.
He laughed,his voice losing its warmth,"Skylar,stop with all the pretense.I know that Peyton is with you.Or are we still playing the missing card?"
He continued,"You're on speakerphone.Let that crazy woman Peyton listen up too.Aren't you ashamed of yourself to collude in this farce?I'll say it one last time:I'm done with Peyton.Tell her to stay the hell away from me!"
His words stabbed my heart like sharp knives.It hurt so badly that all I wanted to do was cry.
Skylar's voice boomed into the phone,still enraged,"Mason Reed!!Are you insane?!Peyton is missing and that's all you have to say?!You and I both know that she'd never ignore my calls for days unend!"
I suddenly remembered that Skylar invited me for shopping yesterday the day before I hadn't answered her calls…I couldn't respond to her messages.
She must be worried sick,not knowing where I was.
"You're aiding her charade!You know how Peyton behaves.She's probably hiding,and then manipulating me into marrying her!"He retorted."Like I care what happens to her."
"You're being unreasonable right now!But I tell you what;if anything happens to Peyton,I'll make sure that you regret it!Mason Reed,mark my words!"Skylar's voice trembled with rage.
I envision her red,angry face.I was sure that Skylar was going to report my disappearance to the police,and made sure that the almighty and ruthless Mason Reed regretted this moment.
___
CHAPTER 4(Peyton's POV)
"Report her to the police as a missing person?Fine,go ahead then!Let the cops decide who's being unreasonable!You're only wasting public resources."Mason sneered,his tone dripping with contempt.He really hated me.The amount of hate laced in his words were venomous and I couldn't believe it.
For Harper,Mason was ready to do anything,including belittling me in front of everyone.It broke my heart even more and the fact that I was still linked to him made everything worse.
It felt like I was reliving my torment,but I also felt terrible for Skylar.She was a mess the more she worried for my sake.
She was the only one who cared about me enough to report me as a missing person to the police department.My heart warmed at the thought.She was my best friend for a reason and I was glad that I didn't make a mistake with her.
Skylar was the definition of the sisterhood bond.
Unlike Skylar who was tough on love,I didn't have the kind of heart that she did.I once naively believed Mason Reed would one day realize his mistakes and come apologizing to me…I fantasized about it,hence I worked harder to make it a reality.
Now,it was laughable.I smacked myself on the forehead for being stupid all these years in the name of love.For putting him above myself and letting him walk all over me with his side piece,feeding me with the crumbs that fell from their table.
I couldn't believe how put down I was by him even after I was dead.This was the man I loved for so many years,the one I thought I could entrust with my life!
Skylar hung up,and I knew that she was mad with anger.If she had the chance to be in the same room as Mason,she'd probably be throwing punches.
I laughed at the thought.Mason really was a jerk for doing me dirty.
He cursed out loud,slamming his phone on the table,causing the silverwares on the table to clank against each other.
The loud impact heightened the tensed atmosphere,making it damn near impossible for someone to breathe.Everyone in the room held their breath,hopefully not to ruin Mason's mood further.
The blood drained on Mrs Reeds face,leaving it pale in complexion after she overheard snippets of the conversation.
She figured something was wrong but couldn't place her hands on it.
She moved closer to him,"Tell me the truth,Mason.Is Peyton really in trouble?Is she?"
Mason scowled."Mom,don't fall for her tricks again.Peyton's incredibly resilient,so she won't die so easily!"
His mother trembled with anger."Even if you don't love her anymore,there's no need to be so cruel!"
He cut her off."For the past two months,she's used saving me to guilt trip you into letting me marry her.She warmed her way into your heart with her cheap lies and tricks and you fell for it."
"And I obviously won't be surprised if the car accident was part of her plans all along!"He added,seething in rage as he stood before his mother.Mrs Reeds wasn't having it and came to my defense in an instant.
"Boy!!Watch your tone when speaking with me.I'm your mother and not some skank that you picked up,"she said,taking a step further."And you will shut up when I tell you to do so.Do you hear me?"
My head throbbed again.Watching mother and son exchange words with each other for my sake caused my heart to ache.
I regretted saving his conniving ass back then.I could have saved myself alone and mourned him if he has died in the accident.
Just then,his phone rang again.He smirked.
"What did I tell you,mum?Peyton herself is calling me,so tell me,how could a missing person call me,hmmm?"
Mrs Reeds rolled her eyes at him before prompting him to pick up the call.
"Pick up the phone and stop acting like some crazy dude."
That was the problem.I was already dead,so how I could I be calling him?Who was using my phone?Was this another trick of his to get everyone off his back?
The screen flashed the caller ID which was saved as"Nasty Woman"-his nickname for me.
Wow.I was at a loss for words.The man I had saved with my life kept shocking me with everything he did.The pain in my heart hurt even more.
He picked up the call,his voice taunting whoever was on the other end of the line.
"Had enough yet,Peyton?Tell me,how was your trip to wonderland,hmmm?Or have you realized your mistake and have called to beg?"
There was silence on the other end.Then,a low male voice spoke up.
"We're calling from the City's Police Department,and we'd like to ask you a few questions,"the strange man with my phone said.
This news surprised Mason but he didn't show it.He was good at masking his emotions.
"Quit playing games with me,Peyton.I am not in the mood!"He retorted,his voice sharp.
The stranger on the other side kept on bombarding Mason with questions."Sir,what's your relationship with the owner of the phone?We suspect that you're connected to a missing persons case."
His face darkened."For fucks'sake,Peyton!Quit acting like a needy child."
"Id appreciate it if you're cautious with your tone of voice as this isn't Miss Vaughn on the line,"the stranger added.
Mason was bewildered,"What?"
"Please come down to the station right away to make your statement.Thank you."
The caller hung up,leaving everyone shocked to their core.They were expecting a night of their lives,not the chaos that my existence brought them that night.
Mason and Harper were the least pleased with the call's interruption of their night.But duty demanded that Mason be at the police station immediately.
——
At the police station,he sat across from a young police officer who had my phone in his hand.
"Mr.Reed,we ask that you cooperate with us in this investigation.And we'd advice that you answer our questions truthfully as you may bring us a step closer in solving this case,are we clear?"The officer asked,staring squarely at Mason.
"If she's indeed missing,I'll cooperate.But tell you this:you're being played by her.She's not really missing.She just wants my attention,"he replied cockily.This little scoundrel!!
The officer's gaze intensified,not interested in Mason's words.
"I'll take that into consideration,"the officer said,adjusting in his seat."Let's start with your relationship with Miss Vaughn."
__
CHAPTER 5(Peyton's POV)
Mason leaned back in his chair,skeptical.The two police officers exchanged a glance.
"Mr.Reed,I do not understand what you're implying,but we've received a missing persons report and verified the owner's disappearance,"the older officer said calmly.
"What's your relationship with the owner of this phone?"
"She's my needy ex-girlfriend,"he replied impatiently."We broke up two years ago."
"I see.The last call that was made from this phone to you was from the owner before her disappearance.So,what did you both talk about?"the younger officer asked,his eyes piercing.
I recalled calling him for help during the attack,but couldn't remember what happened next.
"I didn't pick up the phone,"he said,his eyes cold."I didn't need to."
I should have known better.If only I hadn't called him that night,maybe I'd have been alive.Before the accident,Mason was my rock,and I could vouch for him that he'd never hurt me.
One time in college,when my phone fell off the balcony during our call,he rushed to my apartment in five minutes.Relieved to find me safe,he hugged me tightly.
I later found out that he bought an apartment nearby to be close to me.For over a decade,he was protective of me.
But that night,everything changed for the worse.
"Mr.Reed,please elaborate on your relationship with the missing person,"the older officer pressed further."And why are you certain that she's faking her disappearance?"
Mason took a deep breath.
"I'll say it again:Peyton and I are over.She's just resentful because I'm engaged to someone else.She's playing missing to entrap me."
The officers exchanged skeptical glances.
"How long were you both in the relationship?"the older officer asked.
"About ten years,according to others."
"How long since you broke up?"
"Two years,"he said,obviously less concerned.
"And what was the reason?"
"I no longer felt anything for her,and our personalities clashed.Simply put,we weren't compatible."
"Mr.Reeds,you said that your personalities clashed,right?"The younger officer questioned.
Mason nodded in response."Yes,that's what I said."
"Care to describe Miss Vaughn's personality?"
A sinister smile appeared on his lips,"Oh,I'll be more than happy to tell you.Peyton is obsessive,controlling,manipulative,and not to mention,a chronic liar."
The officer's questions kept rolling in successions.But Mason's answers sent shivers down my spine.Each word that came out of his mouth made me out to be the villain,while he portrayed himself as the victim.
In the middle of the questioning,he handed his business card over to the officers.
"Find her,and please,don't press charges.I wouldn't want her wasting more of public funds."
When he said that,he gave them my address as well,playing the card of the perfect law-abiding citizen.
I rolled my eyes at the charade before me.If I didn't know better,I would have found his act believable.His hypocrisy made me want to puke,but I guess spirits didn't puke.
The older officer's expression changed upon seeing the card."The Reed Corporation's successor?"
Mason smiled slightly."I'd advise you all not to waste anymore of your precious time looking for Peyton.She will surface soon when she's done playing hide and seek."
He got up,adjusted his clothes by straightening out the imaginary lines on his clothes before saying,"I have business to attend to,so I'll get going now."
And with that,he left without uttering another word.I wondered what his expression was going to be when he saw my body.Was he going to realize his stupidity all this time?
The more I thought about it,the more I realized that even I could pay a fortune just to see that.
____
CHAPTER 6(Peyton's POV)
As Mason took long strides,the station seemed to fade into the distance.As he left the building,his face grew darker than when he first entered.
I hovered nearby,observing him closely.He walked hastily to his car but didn't get in;instead,he brought out a cigarette,lighting it and taking a deep puff out of it.
The fiery ember illuminated his chiseled,troubled face.He looked like his was lost in thoughts.I wondered what he was thinking about.
"No way...there's no way…"he muttered to himself,a flicker of panic appeared laced in his voice,"She wouldn't actually be in trouble…I mean,Peyton is good at manipulating others to do her bidding"
He took several deep puffs but it didn't calm his frustration and it showed in the way he grunted.
His slender fingers tappedimpatiently on the car door,as if weighed down by worry.
I watch,unmoved.
Who is this show for?The police or himself?
If he truly cared,he'd have told the police about Harper Reese's apartment.
Is he worried about himself?
His phone rings,breaking his thoughts.
He answers,seeing Harper Reese's name on the screen;his tense expression softens.
"Harper."
"Mason,I heard that Peyton is missing,is that true?"Harper's voice trembled
"Don't speculate;it's unrelated to you,"Mason Reed soothes,"Police found no concrete evidence;don't overthink,rest well."
"But...I'm worried about Peyton and you..."Harper Reese's voice cracks.
"I'll be right there;wait for me."
Mason Reed hangs up and drives away.
I watch,thinking I've once again misjudged him.
Of course,Mason Reed wouldn't worry about me.
He probably wishes I'd disappear forever.
My life is less valuable to him than a strand of Harper Reese's hair.
I shut my eyes,hoping to catch a break from him when I open them,but I found myself at Harper's temporary apartment.Mason kneels before her,embracing her warmly.
"Don't fear;I'm here,it's okay."
Harper Reese nestles into his arms,tearfully.
I look away.
Though I've lost expectations,watching them intimately is cruel.
Mason Reed gently pats Harper Reese's back.
Harper Reese gazes up at him adoringly.
"Mason,hold me tight?"
Mason Reed hesitates before embracing her.
Just as their lips meet,Mason Reed's face contorts;he shudders violently.
"Aren't you...?"Harper Reese asks,alarmed.
Mason Reed pushes her away,clutching his chest.
His face pale,sweating,breathing rapidly.
"What's wrong?"Harper Reese asks,concerned.
Mason Reed doesn't respond,his eyes shut,struggling to breathe.
Has he finally realized his cruelty's consequences?
CHAPTER 7(Peyton's POV)
"Mason,what's wrong?Don't scare me!"Harper Reese panics,trying to support Mason Reed,but he pushes her away.
"Don't touch me!"Mason Reed growls,his voice hoarse and laced with pain and fear.
I'm stunned.
"Mason,what's happePeyton?Are those brain residual images resurfacing?"Harper Reese asks anxiously."It's strange...this always happens."
Residual brain images?
I look at Mason Reed,who nods painfully.
Does this mean...whenever they try to get intimate,Mason Reed's mind flashes with uncomfortable images?
"Stop talking!I feel dizzy."Mason Reed closes his eyes,clutching his head as if to block the visions.
"I'm sorry,Mason;I shouldn't have asked,"Harper Reese says softly."How are you feeling?Do you want me to get you water?"
Mason head,his clothes soaked in sweat.
Harper Reese sees his state and refrains from further questions,going to fetch water instead.
I float beside Mason Reed,amused by his twisted expression.
It seems the car accident left both of us with lasting effects.Mason Reed has post-traumatic stress.
This isn't about watching them be affectionate;it's about Mason Reed's karma.
If this persists,Mason Reed's future relationships will suffer.
Harper Reese returns with water,and Mason Reed's emotions stabilize slightly.
He drinks half the glass,feeling somewhat better.
"Mason,what's happePeyton every time...?"Harper Reese asks worriedly."Did you take the medicine the doctor prescribed?
Mason nodded."Yeah,I do."
"Okay then.What do you see in those visions?
"I can't make out the images;they flash too fast...just colors and outlines,"Mason Reed replies tiredly."I'm fine;just overworked.Rest will help."
"But—"
"Don't worry about it."Mason Reed interrupts,his face displeased."Rest;I need time alone."
Harper Reese swallows her concerns and leaves.
Mason Reed remains,lost in painful memories.
"Damn it!"he curses softly,eyes snapping open in frustration.
"Why her again...?"he mutters."Why always her?"
A bad feeling creeps over me.
Are Mason Reed's visions connected to me?
"Peyton..."
Mason Reed drifts off to sleep,his whisper barely audible.
But I hear my name clearly.
CHAPTER 8(Peyton's POV)
I stand frozen,staring at Mason Reed in disbelief.
Could it be that Mason Reed still subconsciously remembers me?
Are the memories he deliberately forgot still deeply buried in his mind?
He falls asleep,his brow furrowed,as if struggling with painful memories.
I float beside him,feeling conflicted.
As I ponder,I hear muffled voices from the next room.
I concentrate and manage to float over.
This time,I succeed in moving beyond Mason Reed's space.
I float to the bedroom door and peek through the gap.
Harper Reese is on the phone,speaking in a hushed tone.
“Hello?...Why no news?...Wasn’t it supposed to be foolproof?...Has that woman died?...Why the silence?...Useless!A bunch of useless people!”
Harper Reese sounds impatient and anxious.
I feel a chill run down my spine.
That woman...Is she talking about me?
Was my death not the work of Harper Reese’s father’s enemy,but her doing?
Harper Reese continues,her voice growing more irritated.
“Enough!Don’t tell me these useless things!I want results!...Money?...Don’t worry,you’ll be well-rewarded if it’s done!”
Her tone sends shivers down my spine.
If she hired someone to kill me that night but failed,why did I still die?
My mind races with questions.
Harper Reese hangs up,turns around,and gazes at herself in the mirror.
“Mason Reed’s wife must be me.”
Her voice is eerie and ruthless.
I realize my death is connected to her.
The phone rings,breaking my thoughts.
Mason Reed answers,his expression darkePeyton.
“What’s wrong?”Harper Reese asks,concern and laziness in her voice.
“Nothing,work issue.I need to go.”
Mason Reed hangs up and rushes out.
I follow him to the police station.
“Mr.Reed,where were you between 9:50 and 10:30 pm on the night of June 12th?”an officer asks.
Mason Reed furrows his brow.
“That night...I was with my girlfriend.We watched a movie and I dropped her home afterward.”
“Any evidence to support this?”
"Yeah,my assistant can confirm my whereabouts,"he said cockily.
Mason Reed calls his assistant and shows the police his movie ticket.
Just then,the door bursts open,and a familiar figure rushes in.
“Mason Reed,you heartless scumbag!”It’s Skylar.
Skylar’s eyes are red,her face stained with tears.
“You know what happened that night,don’t you?Mason Peyton told me she was working late for you,and you were with your mistress instead!”
“Ms.Cheng,please calm down.Obstructing justice will lead to arrest.”
The police intervene as Skylar’s emotions escalate.
“You’re cold-blooded!That night,Mason Peyton was helping you,and you were with your lover!”
Mason Reed remains composed.
“Skylar,calm down.Mason Peyton chose to work late;it has nothing to do with me.”
The officer interrupts.
“We’ve found Peyton’s body.”
The room falls silent.