Chapter 3
Chase casually took the paper, seeing the name “Mia Parker” printed in the name field.]
He scoffed, “Mia, you’re really something, aren’t you? Creating a fake death certificate just to avoid me? Like that’s gonna work.“[]
The assistant hesitated. “Mr. Vincent, the death certificate isn’t forged. I verified it myself, and the police department confirmed that–“[]
“Enough!” Chase impatiently cut him off. “This is obviously just another one of Mia’s little games to make me feel guilty. Dream on!“]
“Tind her. I don’t care where she’s hiding–tear this city apart if you have to, but bring her to fne!“[]
The assistant sighed, nodding quickly. “Yes, sir!“]]
A week later.
The assistant returned with an odd expression on his face.[]
“Mr. Vincent, the private investigators report that Miss Parker’s death has been confirmed. Her body was cremated at the funeral home, and Jackson personally signed for her ashes. There’s no mistake.“[]
Chase frowned. “Bullshit! Mia values her life too much to die. She even went all the way to the Himalayas looking for some crazy herbal treatment to stay alive!“]
I smiled bitterly. He didn’t know that I went to those remote mountains for him, not me.[]
That year, Chase contracted malaria during a business trip to Africa. His fever wouldn’t break despite all the medication.]
I’d heard about an ancient remedy in a remote Himalayan monastery that could cure malaria. I traveled through treacherous terrain to find it, nearly dying from oxygen deprivation at the high altitude.[]
Finally, I found the formula in an ancient temple perched on a mountain peak.[]
Whether it was the remedy that worked or my desperation that moved the universe, Chase’s fever broke after taking it.]
Yet he believed I’d risked my life in those mountains for myself. How freaking ridiculous.]
The assistant struggled to continue. “But Mr. Vincent, I hired two separate private investigation firms, and their results… were identical. Miss Parker might really be- Chase slammed his fist on the desk. “That’s complete garbage! I didn’t just meet her yesterday!“]
“She’s the type who never quits until she gets what she wants. She wouldn’t just check out. She was determined to stick to me for life.“]]
“She probably knew her kidney had issues and was afraid I’d come after her, so she’s playing dead. She’s probably living it up somewhere right now!“[]
The assistant was stunned. “But Mr. Vincent, that sounds like something straight out of Netflix!”
Chase smirked. “She was the star of her college drama club. Faking her death would be a cakewalk for her!”
The assistant was completely speechless.
“So, Mr. Vincent, should we continue the investigation?“[]
–
Chase lit a cigarette, exhaling smoke rings. “Yeah, keep digging. Find out which funeral home cremated her and which cemetery her ashes are supposedly buried in.“]
“I want to see just how perfectly Mia has staged this little disappearing act!“[]
I stood behind him, coldly watching the man I’d loved for seven years, my heart completely frozen.
My soul faded a little more.
Another week passed before the assistant returned with his report.]]
This time, his expression was grim as he placed a folder in front of Chase.
“I confirmed that Miss Parker was cremated at City Memorial Funeral Home two years ago.”
“Her ashes were buried at Greenhill Cemetery on the outskirts of town, in Section C, Row 6, Plot 8.”
“The cemetery staff said her siblings visit to pay respects every year.”
Chase’s expression turned icy, his thin lips barely moving. “Well, isn’t that thorough!“]]
“So, Mia, you’re absolutely determined to ghost me–literally!”
He suddenly stood up, taking long strides toward the door.
de
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“Let’s go! We’re visiting Greenhill Cemetery!“[]
The assistant hurried after him.[]
An hour later, the car stopped at the gates of the suburban cemetery.
Chase stepped out as rain drizzled from the sky. His assistant quickly opened a black umbrella for him.
At Section C, Row 6, Plot 8.]
The grave was visibly new, with the inscription clearly visible on the headstone.[]
[HERE LIES MIA PARKER, SECOND DAUGHTER OF THE PARKER FAMILY]]]
A small black and white photograph showed my young face with a gentle smile.[]
