Chapter 3

Selene's POV

An hour later, I returned to Morrison Manor.

The setting sun painted the back garden golden-red. I had Eleanor bring out a large fire basin and began throwing things into it.

"Selene, what are you doing?" Alexander rushed over, his face turning pale.

"I'm doing one last thing for Alexander." I held up his treasured limited-edition Rolex, tears in my eyes. "I want to burn his favorite things so he won't be lonely in heaven."

"Wait!" He lunged forward to stop me. "Selene, that watch is extremely valuable..."

"I know." I turned to him, tears streaming down my cheeks. "That's exactly why I'm burning it. Because it's precious, because it was his beloved possession."

Without hesitation, I threw the watch into the flames.

Alexander's hands clenched into fists, veins bulging.

As I threw Alexander's beloved items into the fire one by one, he finally couldn't stand it. "Selene... those things... maybe we could..."

"Could what?" I looked up at him. "Adrian, are you feeling sorry for these things? They belonged to Alexander. As his wife, shouldn't I be doing this?"

"I... I'm not feeling sorry..." he forced out. "I just think it's such a waste..."

"A WASTE?" My voice rose, more tears flowing. "Adrian, this is your BROTHER! Your twin! And you're calling this a waste?"

The gathered relatives began murmuring.

"How could Adrian say that?"

"Selene's doing the right thing."

Alexander realized his mistake and quickly explained: "That's not what I meant... I just..."

"I understand." I wiped my tears, my tone becoming gentle. "You must be in pain too. Losing your twin brother—I can't imagine that kind of suffering."

"Selene..."

"It's okay." I smiled softly. "I understand your pain. But we can't forget Alexander. These were his most treasured possessions. I'm sure seeing this from heaven would make him happy."

I picked up a small painting. "This is his favorite Monet original. Remember? He always said this was his most cherished artwork."

Alexander's face grew paler. "That... that painting..."

"What's wrong?" I feigned confusion. "Adrian, you look more heartbroken than I do. Even though this painting is worth two million dollars, Alexander treasured it above all else. Burning it for him will make him happy."

Alexander was speechless, watching helplessly as I threw the two-million-dollar painting into the fire.

The flames danced, illuminating his twisted, anguished face.

How does it feel, Alexander Morrison? Watching your beloved possessions turn to ash while you can't say a single 'no'? This is just the beginning.

---

"Adrian, dinner is ready."

After burning the "relics," I wiped my tears and looked gently at Alexander, who was still mourning his lost assets.

"Of course." He forced a smile. "Let's go to the dining room."

The crystal chandelier cast warm light over silver cutlery gleaming in the candlelight. Alexander and I sat across from each other, with Jessa beside us and several family members present.

Eleanor brought the first course—French foie gras with truffle toast.

Alexander appeared normal, enjoying the appetizer without issue.

Next came cream mushroom soup, which he also ate normally.

Patience, Selene. The real show is coming.

"Tonight's main course is very special." I elegantly set down my spoon. "It's the new chef's specialty, made with over a dozen spices."

Eleanor brought out herb-crusted lamb chops with secret sauce.

It looked exquisite and smelled wonderful. Alexander unsuspectingly cut a piece, dipped it in sauce, and ate it.

"It tastes good." He nodded. "This sauce is special."

I smiled, watching him continue eating. Yes, very special. Because it contains something you absolutely cannot touch.

About five minutes later, Alexander seemed uncomfortable. He kept clearing his throat, apparently feeling mild discomfort.

A few more minutes passed, and his face began flushing slightly.

"Adrian, are you alright?" I asked with concern. "You look warm."

"I'm fine, maybe it's just too warm in here." He loosened his tie.

But I saw him discretely touching his throat, his breathing becoming labored.

"What exactly is in this sauce?" Alexander suddenly asked Eleanor, trying to sound casual.

"Mainly rosemary, thyme, olive oil..." Eleanor began listing ingredients, "and the chef's secret recipe—I think it was peanut butter and..."

Before she finished, Alexander's face turned deathly pale.

Peanuts. Your most severe allergen.

I saw his hands trembling, sweat forming on his forehead. He realized what he'd eaten, but it was too late.

"Adrian?" I feigned worry. "You look terrible. Are you feeling sick?"

"I... I'm fine." Alexander forced composure. "Maybe just tired from today."

But his allergic reaction was intensifying. His lips began swelling slightly, eyes reddening.

"Should I call a doctor?" I pretended to stand.

"NO!" Alexander quickly stopped me. "Really, it's nothing. Just tired."

The next half hour was Alexander's most agonizing time. He had to endure increasingly severe allergic symptoms while pretending nothing was wrong.

I watched him struggle to swallow every bite, feeling immense satisfaction.

"I just remembered..." Alexander finally couldn't bear it, hurriedly standing. "There's an urgent meeting at the company."

I watched his panicked retreat, the corner of my mouth curving up. Go find somewhere to deal with your allergic reaction.

Sure enough, the next day Alexander went on a "business trip" to New York.

One week later

Preston Trails Country Club, sunshine bright, grass emerald green.

"Selene!" Caroline warmly embraced me. "You look so much better."

"Time heals all wounds." I smiled weakly. "Alexander wouldn't want me staying in grief forever."

"Where's Adrian?" another friend asked. "Is he back from his trip?"

"He returned yesterday," I said. "He'll be here today too."

Within half an hour, Alexander appeared. His complexion had completely returned to normal, all traces of the allergic reaction gone.

"Adrian! How was the business trip?" Friends gathered to greet him.

"Fine, just tiring." Alexander responded politely.

"Since everyone's here, why don't we check out the stables?" Caroline suddenly suggested. "Adrian, it's been ages since we've seen you ride! Thunder must really miss you."

Alexander's expression instantly stiffened.

"Horseback riding? I... haven't been feeling well lately..."

"How can that be?" Friends were surprised. "Adrian, you're our best rider!"

"That's right!" I deliberately chimed in. "Adrian has loved riding since childhood. Thunder is still waiting for you."

Thunder was Adrian's beloved horse, a purebred Arabian with a fierce temperament that only obeyed Adrian.

"And..." my voice choked up, "Alexander's biggest regret was never learning to ride. He always said he wanted you to teach him, but now..."

I didn't finish, but the meaning was clear.

Everyone was moved.

"Adrian, don't refuse."

"For Alexander, and for Selene."

Alexander was cornered and reluctantly nodded: "Alright... okay."

Twenty minutes later, at the stables.

Thunder heard familiar footsteps and neighed excitedly. But when it saw Alexander, instead of rushing toward its master as usual, it maintained a wary distance.

"Strange, why doesn't Thunder recognize Adrian?" Caroline was puzzled.

"Maybe they've been apart too long." I explained. "Adrian, go say hello."

Alexander reluctantly approached Thunder, but the horse became more agitated, pawing the ground.

"Thunder, it's me..." Alexander tried to pet it, but Thunder backed away, snorting.

Smart horse. It knows this person isn't its master.

"Maybe it'll be better once you mount up," someone suggested.

Under everyone's urging, Alexander had no choice but to mount.

Initially Thunder was somewhat cooperative, but as the ride progressed, the intelligent horse became more certain that the rider was an impostor.

Suddenly, Thunder let out an angry neigh and reared up!

"Watch out!"

Alexander couldn't control the frenzied horse. Thunder bucked violently, throwing him heavily to the ground.

The crisp sound of breaking bone.

"My God! Call an ambulance!"