Chapter 3

The next morning, the news was everywhere.

Isabella Vance, beautiful heiress to the Vance Industries conglomerate, was making a rare public appearance.

The photos showed her, radiant, on the arm of Liam Astor.

The headlines screamed: "Vance Heiress and Astor Scion: A Match Made in Heaven?"

Rumored fiancé.

It wasn't just a test. It was a public spectacle. My father's death was a footnote in her elaborate charade.

My phone rang. Izzy.

"Ethan, hi! I have some amazing news. Can we meet? I want to tell you something important."

Her voice was bright, excited, as if nothing had happened. As if my world hadn't ended.

"No," I said, my voice flat, empty.

"What? Ethan, what's wrong? You sound... strange."

"I quit my job," I told her. The restaurant I worked at was a Vance subsidiary. I hadn't known. Now, the connection felt like another layer of her deceit.

"Quit? Why? Ethan, talk to me."

I hung up.

She called again. I ignored it. Text messages flooded in. I didn't read them.

A few hours later, she showed up at my tiny apartment. The one I shared with my father.

The one that now felt too big, too quiet.

She held out a check. A large sum.

"Ethan, I know you' ve been struggling. This is for your father, for his medical bills. I should have done this sooner."

Still in test mode. Still playing her game.

"He doesn't need it," I said, my voice devoid of emotion.

"What do you mean? Of course, he does. For his recovery..."

I just looked at her.

Liam pulled up outside in a sleek sports car, honking impatiently.

She glanced back, a flicker of annoyance. "I have to go, but we need to talk. Seriously."

He got out, leaned against the car, smirking at me.

It was all part of the show, I realized. His presence, her "concern."

I watched them drive away.

Then I took my father's urn and drove to Blackwood State Park.

His favorite place.

He wanted his ashes scattered by the old oak tree overlooking the lake. No fancy memorial. Just peace.

I did as he wished.

The wind carried him away.

My connection to this life, to her, felt like it was scattering too.