My Life For Her Happy Ending Chapter 02

My Life For Her Happy Ending Chapter 02

After the wedding, everyone came home.

I floated in the corner of the living room, watching them step inside and kick off their shoes.

Mom and Dad carried the gifts they’d bought for me earlier that day.

Ethan held a freshly issued family registry document and the diamond ring box I’d been waiting five years to see.

Five years together. From fumbling, awkward beginnings to something steady and sure. I’d imagined this day so many times—standing in front of the mirror, sliding an invisible ring onto my finger, pretending.

I just never thought it would come like this.

Ethan walked to my bedroom door and knocked twice.

“Mia? Open up. Don’t be upset.”

Silence.

“Mia, I know today was hard. Can we talk?”

I looked at the ring glittering in his hand. Without thinking, I reached for it.

My fingers passed straight through the cold band. Straight through his skin. Nothing.

Ethan kept knocking, patient as ever, calling my name over and over.

But my body lay still on the bed. No answer. Of course there was no answer.

Mom came down the hall, looking irritated.

“She stays home for half a day and this is how she acts? Over nothing?”

Ethan forced a smile.

“Don’t be angry, Mom. Mia’s just jealous that the whole family went out without her. I’ll calm her down.”

Mom slammed the family registry document onto the coffee table, her eyes reddening.

“I knew something was wrong the second she came home! How many times have I explained it to her? If Chloe fails her quest, she dies. And still Mia has to compete. Still she has to make everything about herself.”

Her voice cracked. Tears slid down her face.

I reached out with my phantom hand, trying to wipe them away.

Mom. I never lied.

That day, Chloe and I went out together. A drunk driver hit us. I died on the spot.

At least I won’t be a burden anymore.

Dad wrapped Mom in his arms, murmuring reassurances.

“Mia’s just stubborn. She’ll come around.”

Then he picked up my favorite layer cake from the table and handed it to Chloe.

“I’ll take your mom to lie down. Once Mia opens the door, talk to her.”

Chloe smiled sweetly.

“Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll take care of my sister.”

She turned to Ethan with the same smile.

“Ethan, go get the surprise ready. I’ve got things under control here.”

One by one, they left the living room, until only Chloe stood outside my door.

Her smile faded.

“Mia, don’t blame me. You’ve always been better than me at everything. Better grades. More love from Mom and Dad. Even the guy I’d been in love with for years—he only ever had eyes for you.”

“I said you were lying. I said you wanted attention. But the truth is, you were just too bright. And I couldn’t stand living in your shadow.”

So that was it.

No wonder no one believed me. It was all a trap, carefully laid by Chloe.

Then she raised the cake high above her head and smashed it into her own face.

She gritted her teeth and slammed her head against the wall.

A dull crack. Blood streamed from her forehead.

She collapsed to the floor, sobbing.

“Mia, I’m sorry! It’s all my fault! You can hit me, scream at me—just please don’t be mad at Mom, Dad, and Ethan anymore!”