Chapter 3

Ever since Julian stormed out of the autopsy room in anger, I've been drifting through the medical examiner's office like a lost soul.

The first afternoon, I watched Julian busily handling other cases while my body lay quietly on the autopsy table just a few rooms away.

On the second day, I followed Julian into the conference room, listening as different departments reported on the serial arsonist case.

One by one, the agents shook their heads: "Still no breakthrough on the fourth arson case." "Scene evidence was almost completely destroyed." "Having difficulty confirming the victim's identity."

Julian slammed his fist on the table in frustration. "This sicko has killed four girls! We can't let him keep getting away with this!"

I stood behind him, my heart shattering.

If you knew that fourth girl was me... would you still be this angry? Or would you just treat me like you do now—as some stranger's case number?

After the meeting, Alex caught up with Julian in the hallway as he was leaving. I could see the worry written all over Alex's face.

"Jules," Alex's tone was heavy, "Ivy's been missing for days now. This really isn't like her. Even when you two fight, she's never just disappeared like this."

Julian waved him off impatiently. "I told you she's fine. She's probably off getting high somewhere, or found herself a new boyfriend. I've got a lot on my plate right now—Harper's engagement party is next week..."

Something died inside me. The engagement party was more important than my life or death... I should have known.

Alex stopped in his tracks and turned to face Julian. "Bro, I've watched you both grow up. This isn't who you are! Ivy needs help!"

"Don't lecture me, Alex!" Julian's voice turned sharp. "She chose that lifestyle. I can't help her, and I don't want to!"

Alex shook his head in disappointment. "Man, I really don't recognize you anymore... If something's really happened to Ivy, you'll regret this for the rest of your life."

I hid in the corner, crying silently. Alex was right... but it was already too late.

Back in his office, Julian's phone rang. The caller ID showed my therapist, Dr. White.

"Julian," Dr. White's voice was gentle and concerned, "Ivy missed her therapy session this week. She's always been punctual, and she specifically mentioned wanting to work hard on her recovery to repair her relationship with you."

Julian cut her off harshly. "You actually believe what she tells you? She's nothing but a lying junkie!"

He angrily hung up and sent Dr. White a threatening text.

But I've been lying in that autopsy room for two days, Julian... and you're still busy with engagement parties.

Just then, Harper burst through the door excitedly, holding an elegant jewelry box.

"Julian! The engagement ring arrived!" Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she opened the box to reveal a dazzling diamond ring.

Julian hugged her in delight. "It's perfect!"

But Harper's expression suddenly darkened. "However... I have to tell you something. Last night I ran into Ivy in the parking lot..."

I was so shocked I could barely think. What? Last night? I've been dead for two days! This woman was lying... but Julian believed her completely.

Harper pulled an old silver watch from her purse, squeezing out crocodile tears. "She threw this watch at my feet and said she never wanted anything connected to your family ever again."

She deliberately lifted her foot to show Julian the bruise on her ankle.

Julian clenched his fist in rage. "That's Dad's watch... How dare she!"

I trembled in despair. That was the only memento Dad left me, with "To my little star" engraved on the back...

Harper, you didn't just kill me—now you're trying to completely destroy my image in Julian's mind. Even the last thing Dad left me, you're using it to hurt me... How can you be so cruel?

Just then, Alex happened to pass by the office and saw the watch, frowning as he stopped.

"Wait, this watch..." Alex walked closer to examine the engraving on the back. "Harper, are you sure Ivy gave this to you?"

Harper nodded nervously. "Yes, that's how cruel she was."

Alex shook his head. "Impossible. Ivy wears this watch every day. She says it makes her feel like her father is still there protecting her. She would never throw it away."

At that moment, Julian's phone rang urgently. It was the forensic assistant.

"Julian," the assistant's voice was tense, "the bone analysis for Jane Doe #4 is back... Victim was 22 years old, 5'6", approximately 115 pounds."

Julian froze, and Alex happened to be in the office to hear these details.

Alex's face suddenly went pale. "Wait... Julian, those measurements..." His voice trembled. "Those match Ivy's medical records exactly... I remember when she came to the station last time, I noticed how thin she'd gotten."

The office fell into deadly silence. I watched Julian's face turn white as he grabbed his phone.

"This... this absolutely can't be her..." He dialed with shaking hands. "She'll answer..."

Dead silence.

Suddenly, the melody of "Moon River" drifted from the autopsy room—my personal ringtone.