Chapter 4

I rushed into the bathroom and locked the door.

Seven fifty. The livestream started.

I and several other colleagues bowed our heads in silence before the camera.

Three minutes. Complete silence.

Eight o'clock. The livestream ended.

When I came out of the bathroom, the atmosphere in the living room was heavy.

Jessica had cleaned herself up and changed clothes, but her eyes were still red. She sat on the sofa without a word.

My mother was grimly cleaning up the mess on the dining table, the plates clanking loudly.

Nathan was smoking on the balcony, his silhouette radiating irritation.

"Mom, Jessica, I'm really sorry about earlier."

I walked over with my head down.

"I've been under too much stress lately. That person who's been following me..."

"Enough!"

My mother interrupted me, throwing the dishcloth into the sink.

"Today is Jessica's birthday! What's the point of you constantly talking about your work?"

"Mom, don't be like this!"

Jessica looked up and forced a smile.

"Madison didn't mean it. She said someone's been following her. Madison, are you okay? Should you report it to the police?"

"I already reported it, but it didn't help."

I sat down next to her and held her hand.

"Did I scare you? I'll take you to buy a new dress tomorrow. And the cake—I'll order a new one..."

"No need."

Jessica withdrew her hand, her smile fading.

"I'm a bit tired. I want to sleep early."

She stood up and went back to her room.

My mother glanced at me:

"You should go to bed early too. You look terrible. I can't handle it if something happens to you."

Nathan stubbed out his cigarette and came in. "I'll drive you home."

"No need. I want to spend time with Jessica."

He looked at me for a few seconds and nodded. "Alright then. Call me if you need anything."

After he left, the house became completely quiet.

My mother finished cleaning the kitchen and returned to her room. I was left alone in the living room.

In my past life on this day, I was cyberbullied because of the livestream incident. Three days later, I was fired by the TV station.

As I walked out of the TV station, I was killed by a bereaved family member who ran me over with their car.

The day after my death, Jessica, a new graduate with no experience, became one of the TV station's star journalists.

My phone vibrated.

It was a message from Nathan:

"I'm home. Don't overthink. Get some sleep."

I didn't reply.

Another message:

"About Jessica, I'll go smooth things over with her tomorrow. Young girls love to throw tantrums."

I looked at this message and suddenly smiled.

How did I not notice this in my past life?

That familiar, matter-of-fact tone, as if Jessica were someone important to him.

"No need. I'll handle it."

After returning home, I replied with those words.

Then I opened my contacts and found a number.

"Officer Miller, this is Madison. There's something I'd like to ask for your help with."

"Ms. Walsh? What do you need investigated? If I can help, I absolutely will!"

"Thank you. I'd like you to investigate someone for me..."

After hanging up, I opened my social media feed.

Jessica had posted half an hour ago:

"Another year older. Going to become even more amazing"

The photo showed the table full of dishes my mother made.

In the corner, you could see half of Nathan's hand.

A mutual friend commented below:

"Wow, your brother-in-law came over for dinner again?"

Jessica replied with a shy emoji.

A few days later, near the end of the workday, my phone rang. It was my mother.

"Madison, come home early today. Jessica has something to announce."

"What is it?"

"You'll know when you get here. It's good news."

My mother's tone was cheerful.