They Died And Came Back To Destroy Me Again Chapter 05

They Died And Came Back To Destroy Me Again Chapter 05

Caleb’s fingers trembled as he clicked on the post.

The score page popped up with my name.

Emma Hartwell. State Rank 1. Score 1590.

190 points higher than his. Impossible.

Caleb stood frozen, his blood running cold.

In his mind, I was always the one who lost to him. How could I be the state champion?

The comments exploded.

The top comment explained everything.

[I saw Emma’s scratch paper from the exam. She solved all the hard problems. She just didn’t transfer the answers to the answer sheet!]

Someone replied: [Obviously holding back on purpose. She was letting someone win the whole time. What a queen.]

[The top score is 190 points ahead of second place. That’s insane.]

Holding back?

No way, it had to be fake.

But further down, someone posted a photo of my scratch paper from the exam room.

He remembered some of the problems, and my solving steps were even simpler than his.

And he knew that handwriting.

He had never been stronger. It was me, letting him win.

His chest tightened with a dull, spreading pain. He went crazy wanting to find me, to ask why.

“Gary, where is Emma, really?”

He grabbed Gary, his voice panicked. Before Gary could answer, a familiar voice came from the door.

Vanessa walked in holding a fancy cake, her smile sweet, her eyes bright.

“Caleb, I came to celebrate! I knew Emma couldn’t beat you. You’re the best!”

She put the cake on the table, stuck a candle in it, and held it up to him, her pride barely hidden.

But now, looking at her innocent smile, Caleb felt disgusted and couldn’t even force a smile.

He stared at her, his voice icy cold. “Why are you so sure she couldn’t beat me?”

Vanessa’s smile faltered; she hadn’t expected that question. “She… she always scored lower than you before…”

“But before, she was holding back on purpose, letting me win. Right?”

Caleb stepped closer, his eyes sharp.

Vanessa went pale, panic flickering in her eyes, and she froze.

That one tiny reaction told Caleb everything.

Everyone knew, only he had been clueless.

He couldn’t stay there. Pushing past Vanessa, he ran out with only one thought in his mind.

Find me.