Chapter 3

This went on for several days. I still had no clue, feeling like a stone was pressing on my heart.

Until one morning, Ethan was tying his tie.

He glanced at me in the mirror. "Didn't sleep well again last night?"

"Yeah." I rubbed my eyes, looking exhausted. "Had dreams all night."

He turned around, fastened the last button, and walked over to sit on the edge of the bed. "Emma, I need to tell you something."

"Hm?"

"I booked a couples trip to the Maldives before. I wanted to surprise you," he held my hand, "but there's an emergency at the lab and I can't get away. You go first, and I'll join you in three days."

I froze. He'd never let me travel far alone before.

"Why so suddenly..."

"You've been so tired lately," he smiled and ruffled my hair. "Go relax. I'll fly over as soon as I finish up."

My heart stirred. This was a good opportunity to test him.

I nodded. "Okay."

He turned to pack my luggage. I followed and leaned against the doorframe.

He took out my favorite floral dress from the closet and folded it neatly.

Then he stuffed sunscreen, a sun hat, common medications, and even the eye mask I usually used into the suitcase, one by one.

"It's hot there, pack more light clothes. Don't get too cold, cover yourself at night," he chattered on without stopping. "Your stomach isn't good, so I bought some crackers to put in your bag. Eat them if you get hungry."

I watched his busy figure, my eyes getting a bit teary. He even remembered these details.

"Also, that book you said you wanted to read---I downloaded it to your tablet. You can read it on the plane if you get bored." He turned back and smiled at me.

I lowered my eyes. The more meticulous he was, the more I felt like a jerk.

Seeing me standing in the doorway without reacting, Ethan waved his hand in front of my face.

"Alright, stop dawdling." He zipped up the suitcase. "I'll take you to the airport."

He came over, took my hand, and pulled me out the door.

I looked back at the spirit in the corner and noticed he didn't follow. I secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Good. It must just be my hallucination. My eyes must be the problem.

All the way there, Ethan held my hand, chatting idly.

I looked out the window, my mind in turmoil.

At the airport, he helped me check in and stuffed the boarding pass in my hand.

"Call me when you arrive."

"Okay."

He hugged me, his chin resting on my shoulder. "Have fun."

I walked through security and looked back at him. He stood outside the glass door, waving at me.

My nose tingled. He was so good to me, yet I kept doubting him.

I closed my eyes and made a secret vow: this is the last time. I'll never doubt him again.

On the plane, I deliberately chose a window seat.

After takeoff, I looked out the window. Still no ghost following.

The weight on my heart finally lifted. I'd have to make time to get a medical checkup.

After forcibly suppressing the lingering unease deep in my heart, I opened the book he'd downloaded for me to distract myself.

After landing, I immediately turned on my phone and sent him a message. "Arrived. Don't worry."

He replied instantly. "Have fun. Wait for me."

I stared at the screen and smiled.