The Last Leaf of Devotion

On the very night Ansel Halberg is in another woman's arms, Odessa Montclair meets a tragic end. The Grim Reaper gives her seven days to return to the world of the living and make one final request. Her only wish is to divorce Ansel and erase every trace of their shared past. She's determined never to cross his path again—neither in this life, nor the next. Chapter 1 At 9:00 pm, Odessa Montclair was dragged into a dark alley by a stranger. Meanwhile, Ansel Halberg stood beside his lover, mesmerized by a dazzling drone light show. By 9:10 pm, Odessa was fighting through a brutal assault, while Ansel poured out his heart in a passionate confession of love. By 10:00 pm, Odessa had been stabbed and left for dead in a ditch. Ansel, however, remained entwined in a night of passion. At midnight, Odessa came back to life. When she arrived home, Ansel was just stepping out of the shower. Their eyes met, and Ansel's brow furrowed. "What happened to you?" he asked. Odessa's hair was a tangled mess, her clothes ripped and stained, and she had bruises covering her pale skin. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her face looked completely drained of color. She held his gaze for a long, heavy moment before finally breaking the silence. "Ansel, I want a divorce." His expression tightened. "Odessa, is it really worth destroying us over something so trivial?" With a stoic expression, Odessa lowered her gaze and repeated, "I want a divorce." Ansel stared at her in silence, his gaze cold and unyielding. After a moment, he let out a weary sigh and stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her. "Alright, Odessa. I was wrong to make you leave the car halfway, but why do you always have to be so stubborn? Sydney and I were just fooling around. You're still Mrs. Halberg. No one can take that from you." Though he had already showered, the faint scent of another woman's perfume still clung to his skin, cutting into Odessa's heart like a cruel, unforgiving blade. Just the night before, she had uncovered Ansel's affair. The cruelest irony was that his mistress was the very underprivileged student Odessa had supported for seven years. Their argument in the car had quickly escalated. Fueled by humiliation and anger, Ansel had driven her to a desolate area and forced her out. Moments later, tragedy struck. Odessa died, and her soul descended into the underworld. Yet, because of her lifetime of kindness and good deeds, the Grim Reaper showed her mercy. He granted her seven days among the living to fulfill one last wish. And now, all she wanted was to divorce Ansel. Odessa's heart went numb with pain, tears quietly streaming down her cheeks. She pushed Ansel away and said, "Do you remember when we first got together at 17? I told you I'd leave without hesitation if you ever betrayed me. You promised you never would. It was a matter of principle." When she'd been murdered, her killer had stabbed her 17 times. Each wound was a cruel echo of the blind devotion she'd held at 17. Ansel's gentle mask cracked. His eyes grew cold, glittering with disdain. "Principle?" he scoffed. "Do you really think something we said as kids still matters? "Look at all the heirs from elite families. Tell me, which one of them doesn't have a mistress? Haven't I given you everything? All these years, I've been with you and only you. You're the one I truly love. "What I had with Sydney was nothing but a passing thrill. Can't you grant me just one moment of indulgence?" Odessa's gaze burned with disappointment, her fists clenched at her sides. "Would you believe me if I told you I've already died? All I want now is a divorce." Ansel responded with a mocking laugh. "Really, Odessa? Do you think I'll fall for such a ridiculous story just so you can walk away?" "I—" Before she could speak, the bedroom door swung open. Sydney Wainwright stepped in, draped in a provocative silk dress, her bare skin adorned with fresh kiss marks. Caught in Odessa's unwavering gaze, Sydney quickly slipped behind Ansel, her voice barely above a whisper. "Odessa, I know it was wrong of me to be with Ansel... but for a man like him, keeping a mistress is just part of the game. "Don't worry. Ansel cares for you more than anyone. I would never even think of stepping into your role as Mrs. Halberg." Odessa remained silent, her eyes fixed on the bedroom. The bed she had made so neatly just yesterday morning now lay in complete disarray. She let out a sharp, bitter laugh. "After everything I've sacrificed, I never imagined betrayal would be your answer. You're honestly unbelievable." Sydney hadn't only drained her finances—she was now lying beside Ansel in their bed, dressed in Odessa's nightgown as if it were her own. Tears welled in Sydney's eyes. "Odessa—" "Enough!" Ansel barked, rubbing his forehead in frustration. "Calm down, will you?" Without another word, he pulled Sydney away and slammed the door shut behind them. Odessa's strength gave way, and she collapsed to the floor. A wedding photo of her and Ansel hung on the wall opposite her, their smiles glowing with happiness. But as she gazed longer, confusion twisted inside her. How could the man who once loved her so fiercely become someone she barely recognized? Chapter 2 That night, Ansel never returned. Odessa lay in the bathtub, scrubbing endlessly at the dirt and shame embedded in her skin. But no matter how fiercely she scrubbed, the painful memories of last night clung stubbornly. She wept until exhaustion took her, and in the fog of unconsciousness, she felt a pair of warm hands lifting her. "Odessa!" a familiar voice echoed urgently. As she fought to open her eyes, she saw Ansel standing above her, his usually cold expression replaced by unmistakable panic. "Odessa, stay with me! I'm taking you to the hospital!" She looked at him through the haze clouding her mind, and for a brief moment, the past came rushing back. When she was 17, a devastating earthquake had shaken Brightmoor. Just before a classroom beam came crashing down, Ansel had thrown himself over her, using his body as a shield. They were trapped beneath the rubble for five harrowing days. Without food or water, Odessa's grip on reality began to slip, and her will to survive started to fade. But Ansel never let go. He called her name again and again, pulling her back whenever she began to drift away. After surviving that nightmare together, they became inseparable. Deep down, Odessa believed that she and Ansel had already conquered life and death—that no matter what storms came their way, they would face them together. She never imagined Ansel would betray her by their third year of marriage. When she finally woke, she found herself lying in a hospital bed. The first thing she noticed was Ansel, slumped beside her. He was still in the same clothes as the day before, looking as though sleep hadn't touched him all night. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his face was drawn with exhaustion. After staring at him silently for a moment, Odessa reached out and gently traced her fingers across his cheek. Ansel stirred suddenly. The moment his eyes met hers, he embraced her tightly. "Odessa, you scared me to death yesterday! Thank God you're okay! I shouldn't have said those things last night!" That morning, he had returned home to discover her lying motionless in the bathtub. Her eyes were shut, and the cold water was tinged with red. In that instant, he feared she was gone forever. Tears rolled down his cheeks. Odessa swallowed a sob and gently pushed him away, a faint smile flickering across her lips. "Ansel, can we please have a proper conversation?" He nodded without hesitation. "Yes. Anything you want. Just promise me you won't do anything reckless again, okay?" "Last night, I—" Before she could finish, Ansel's phone rang. He glanced at the screen and quickly declined the call, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face. "Go on, Odessa. What were you saying?" But it was too late. Odessa had already noticed the name glowing on the screen—"Sydney Baby". In that instant, something inside her gave way. "Never mind. You should answer it. I'm just a little tired… I think I'll try to rest." She lay back down without saying a word. Ansel shot her a brief glance before quietly slipping out of the hospital room. Moments later, her phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number. "Come to the underground parking garage. I dare you." Odessa clenched her fists, determined to ignore it. But against her better judgment, she found herself heading for the exit. In the underground garage, Sydney gripped Ansel's sleeve, tears streaming down her face. "Please, can I keep the baby? It's our first. I don't want to lose it!" Ansel's brow knitted tightly, his voice cold and distant. "Odessa and I don't even have a child yet. How can you have one before her? Once that happens, you can have as many as you want." Sydney sobbed harder. "But an abortion hurts… I'm scared. You promised you'd take responsibility when you slept with me!" Ansel let out a weary sigh and pulled her close. "Alright, I'll go with you. After that, I'll buy you some properties. No, I'll get you anything you want. Just say the word." Sydney slipped her arms around his neck. "I want you to propose to me. Even if I'm not your real wife, at least I can be your pretend one, right?" Ansel said nothing, his brow tightening. Sydney immediately pouted. "See? You're going back on your word again!" "Alright, alright, I promise!" Ansel's heart softened the moment he caught the pleading look in her eyes. Her tears quickly gave way to a bright smile. "I also want the same ring and wedding dress Odessa had!" "Sure, no problem." "And I want to go to the castle too!" "Anything you want," Ansel said indulgently. Chapter 3 Ansel smiled affectionately, his eyes fixed on Sydney's flushed lips. Unable to resist, he gently lifted her chin and kissed her. One kiss led to another, and soon they slipped into the car. The vehicle began to rock with a steady rhythm. Hidden behind a nearby pillar, Odessa stood motionless, her face drained of color. She pressed a hand over her mouth, fighting to hold back a sob as tears streamed down her cheeks. Ansel had gotten Sydney pregnant. He had told Odessa she was the one he loved most, yet here he was, sharing their most private moments with another woman. For a fleeting instant, she felt the urge to scream at them for answers. But instead, she quietly turned away. She didn't even realize how she left. Rather than returning to the hospital, she wandered aimlessly through the streets. Not far ahead stood the Halberg Group's headquarters, its massive LED screen looping a video from two years ago. The footage captured the wedding that every woman in Brightmoor had once envied—a fairy-tale castle, adorable flower girls, and a tearful Ansel and Odessa exchanging vows. It all felt as though it had happened only yesterday. As Odessa watched the screen, tears quietly began to stream down her face once more. All of a sudden, a message from Ansel lit up her phone. "Hey Odessa, there's a last-minute meeting at the office. I won't be home tonight. Let's talk tomorrow, okay?" Tears dropped onto the screen as a bitter, hollow laugh escaped her lips. Tomorrow? Tomorrow was a luxury she no longer had. Before she discovered the affair, Ansel often sent messages like these, insisting he had "emergency meetings" to attend. Now, looking back, maybe every single one of those meetings had been a lie—perhaps he'd been with Sydney all along. "Are you with Sydney?" Odessa typed back. The typing indicator flickered almost at once, but no message followed. After what felt like forever, Ansel finally replied, "You're overthinking things. If you don't trust me, feel free to ask my assistant." Odessa said nothing. Moments later, a message from Sydney popped up. "Hey Odessa, I'm sure you heard everything in the parking garage. To be honest, it's only a matter of time before I take your place. "Half of Ansel's heart already belongs to me. I'm younger, and I know how to make him happy. If you don't want to end up being just another discarded trophy wife, do yourself a favor and get that divorce." Attached to Sydney's message were several photos of torn stockings and an open condom wrapper. Odessa's hands shook as she stared at the screen. She might have wanted a divorce after her death, but that didn't mean she was prepared to endure such a blatant and humiliating insult. A sudden crack of thunder ripped through the sky as rain began to pour. Raindrops traced the curve of her pale jaw, blending with her tears. Finally, she typed a message to Ansel, "Let's get a divorce." By the time she got home, night had already fallen. Odessa collapsed onto the couch, her fever burning through her veins. A bitter laugh escaped her. She was nothing but a ghost, lingering on borrowed time… yet even a ghost's fragile body could succumb to illness. After a long, heavy silence, Odessa forced herself to stand. She climbed onto a chair and reached for the wedding photo hanging on the wall. Her fingers hesitated briefly on the frame before she ripped it apart with a pair of scissors. After discarding the shredded photo, she pulled out every album and frame in the house. One by one, she tore each picture of her and Ansel into jagged, broken pieces. Next, she gathered every gift Ansel had ever given her. The valuable items were sold off at a steep discount, while the handmade pieces were smashed and thrown away without hesitation. At last, Odessa entered the exhibition room. Behind the spotless glass case hung the wedding dress she had worn years ago. She paused for one last look before ruthlessly cutting it apart. Also on display was the exquisite diamond ring crafted by Ansel himself, its pink diamond alone worth tens of millions. Odessa held onto the ring for what felt like an eternity before finally flushing it down the toilet. She and Ansel had once shared a profound love. Those memories were too sacred to be tarnished by anyone else. So, with that in mind, she decided to be the one to destroy them. When it was all said and done, Odessa collapsed to the floor, utterly exhausted. Just then, Ansel stormed through the door. Chapter 4 As Ansel took in the wreckage around him, his expression darkened instantly. His eyes burned with fury as he shouted, "Odessa! What the heck are you doing? When is this going to stop? "These were the things we promised to cherish for the rest of our lives. Why would you destroy them like this?" Odessa lowered her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "When love turns ugly, holding on to the remnants only brings more pain. It's better to let it all go." She swallowed hard, forcing back a sob. "Let's get a divorce." "Odessa, how many times have you said that in the past two days?" Ansel snapped. "I rushed back the moment I saw your message. Can you stop overreacting? "I've already told you—what I have with Sydney is just a fling. Why are you being so petty and jealous over her?" Odessa shook her head. "It's not that I can't tolerate her... It's that she can't tolerate me." Ansel's expression stiffened as he roughly pulled her to her feet. "Look, your entire family's gone. Without me, what do you have left?" he snapped. His words sliced through Odessa like a knife. After her parents' sudden death, all her relatives had turned on her like vultures. It was Ansel who had been her sole support. From that moment, Odessa saw Ansel as her only family. He was like a piece of driftwood in a stormy sea, the only thing she could cling to in order to survive. But now, she was already dead. Such threats no longer affected her. Still, she never imagined Ansel could be so heartless. More often than not, it was those closest to her who knew exactly where to cut the deepest. "Why…" Odessa's voice quivered, tears spilling down her cheeks. Ansel froze, suddenly realizing how cruel his words had been. He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her, his tone softening. "I'm sorry, Odessa. I didn't mean to hurt you." Odessa pushed him away, pain flickering in her eyes. "Why did you stop loving me all of a sudden?" Ansel pulled her back into his arms, pressing gentle kisses to her tears. "Don't be absurd. I never stopped loving you." "Then let's get divorced." Odessa's voice was faint, yet the words struck like a blade. Ansel's restraint shattered. Overwhelmed by rage, he shoved her against the wall. "Why, Odessa? Why are you so determined to divorce me?" "Because I'm already dead, and my final wish is to divorce you. I want to sever every last thread between us. "After you left that night, I was dragged into an alley by a thug…" Odessa began to tell him everything, but the moment she mentioned returning from the dead for seven days, Ansel's patience snapped. "Odessa, you're 27 years old, for heaven's sake! I'm not an idiot. Can you please stop with these ridiculous stories? "If you really can't stand Sydney, then just go abroad for a while!" With those dismissive words, he turned to leave. "So you'd rather ship me off than end things with her?" Ansel's steps faltered, but he didn't turn around. "Think whatever you want!" he snapped. "Once I'm done fooling around with her, I'll come back home." Odessa slumped to the floor, shaking her head in despair. She knew she wouldn't live long enough to see that day. From that point on, a cold war began between her and Ansel. With just five days remaining, her anxiety grew heavier by the hour. She eventually decided to message Ansel. After a long wait, his reply finally came. "I won't be home for the next few days. Just try to calm down. Once you're feeling better, we can talk." Odessa's hands trembled as she read his cold, distant words. While suppressing her emotions, she got into her car and drove straight to Halberg Group. But the moment she stepped into the lobby, she was stopped. "I need to see Ansel!" she insisted. The new receptionist answered politely, "I'm sorry, miss. It's currently lunch break, and Mr. Halberg isn't seeing visitors right now. If you'd like to meet him, please schedule an appointment." "I'm his wife." The receptionist blinked in surprise. After a brief pause, she shook her head. "Ms. Wainwright has made it clear that no one is allowed to disturb her and Mr. Halberg—not even you." A bitter laugh slipped from Odessa's lips. It had been ages since she last stepped into the office. She never expected things to have changed so drastically. "Odessa!" Just then, Sydney walked over, dressed in a vibrant dress that made her glow. In her hand, she carried the season's latest designer handbag. Chapter 5 "Where's Ansel?" Odessa asked, her voice laced with fury. Sydney let out a mocking chuckle. "Shouldn't you be the one to know? You're his wife, after all. Or maybe… he just doesn't want to see you right now." Without raising her voice, the poison threaded through her words was enough to make heads turn. Many of the longtime employees recognized Odessa, their expressions shifting the moment she entered the room. Ansel had long upheld the illusion of a faithful husband. But now, the familiar tension between wife and mistress was on full display for everyone to see. To make things worse, a few employees recalled that Sydney had once been a struggling student who Odessa personally supported. The memory only deepened the curiosity etched across their faces. "Well, Odessa, since you have no idea what Ansel's doing, let me fill you in. He's taking a nap. I was keeping him company, but one of my girlfriends invited me to go shopping, so I stepped out." As Sydney spoke, her fingers lightly traced her necklace. Odessa couldn't help but notice the kiss marks along the edge of her neckline. "Look, Odessa, if you don't have anything important to say, you should go. Ansel doesn't want to see you right now. If that changes, I'll be sure to let you know." Odessa could feel the eyes of everyone on her, each one like a needle pricking at her composure. Her anger surged without warning, and she slapped Sydney hard across the face. After a moment of silence, gasps and murmurs began to ripple through the crowd. Sydney stood dazed, her head tilted to one side as she stared blankly at the floor. As clarity slowly returned, she spotted a figure just at the edge of her vision. All of a sudden, she collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. "Odessa, it's all my fault! Please, don't be mad at Ansel anymore!" Odessa hadn't expected such a reaction. Just as she was about to accuse Sydney of putting on an act, a tall figure pushed through the crowd. "Sydney!" It was Ansel. "Ansel, I—" Odessa began. But before she could finish, Ansel shoved her roughly. "Odessa, stop this madness! This is an office! Wasn't making a scene at home enough? Do you want everyone to see you like this?" Odessa staggered backward and collapsed onto the floor. A groan slipped from her lips as her face turned pale. Ansel didn't even look at her. He hurried to Sydney's side, gently cupping her face. "Does it hurt?" Tears slipped down Sydney's cheeks. "It does... I need you to blow on it to make it better." Ansel softly blew on the injured spot, his voice surprisingly gentle. "I warned you to stay away from her, didn't I?" Curled up in his arms, Sydney shook her head. "Ansel, don't blame Odessa. It's my fault. I must've upset her by accident." Ansel lifted her carefully and turned to the crowd gathered around them. "Why are you all just standing there?" he barked. "Get back to work!" At his terse command, the crowd broke apart in an instant. His gaze then shifted to Odessa, still seated on the floor. His cold stare was unlike anything she had ever encountered. When their eyes met, a sudden chill ran through her. She had never imagined Ansel could look at her with such disdain. The warmth and tenderness they once shared now felt like a cruel, bitter illusion. Without another word, Ansel stepped forward and hauled her to her feet. His grip was unyielding, devoid of any mercy. "Let's take this to the office," he said flatly. Odessa stumbled, nearly twisting her ankle as he pulled her along. She yanked her hand, trying desperately to break free. "No, let's talk here." "Odessa, my patience isn't endless!" Ansel snapped. "I'm honestly so disappointed in you. You're acting like a total shrew." "A shrew?" Odessa's body trembled, a bitter smile touching her lips before fading away. Tears quietly traced down her cheeks. "I never imagined hearing those words from you. So, you think I'm disgraceful, huh? "When you were running wild like that, did you ever wonder how it would all end?" "That's enough!" Ansel's voice thundered through the room. "What do you want from me? What will it take for you to stop?" Without hesitation, Odessa pulled out the divorce papers. "I want a divorce!" Chapter 6 Odessa's voice wasn't loud, but it was enough to bring the entire lobby to a standstill. One by one, curious faces emerged, all eyes drawn to the tense moment unfolding. Every gaze settled firmly on Odessa. She tightened her grip on the divorce papers, but her eyes remained unwavering and determined. Ansel's expression hardened. His fists clenched tightly as he spat, "Odessa, must you really do this?" She held his stare, wiping away a tear. "No matter how many times you ask, my answer won't change. Just sign the papers. Let's finally be done with each other." Ansel said nothing. His cold eyes bore into her, the air around him thickening with tension. From the sidelines, Sydney's heart soared, bursting like fireworks lighting up the night sky. She didn't hesitate to stoke the fire. Gripping Ansel's collar, she looked up at him, tears glistening in her eyes. "Ansel, please… put me down. This is all my fault. Don't fight with Odessa because of me." Sydney's sobs scraped at Odessa's patience, but she met them with a cold, unwavering smile. "Come on, Mr. Halberg, just sign it. Your little princess needs you." Hearing her say "Mr. Halberg" pushed Ansel over the edge. His face darkened, and a bitter laugh slipped out. "Fine, Odessa. So you want a divorce that badly, huh? Don't expect me to take it back when you come running!" Odessa closed her eyes. "I won't regret this," she declared firmly. "Great. Then let's get divorced!" Ansel snapped. Without hesitation, he set Sydney down and yanked the papers from Odessa's hands, his fists clenched tight with tension. His cold voice cut through Odessa like a blade. Tears brimmed at the edge of her eyes, but she swallowed them down. She gave the receptionist a strained smile and said, "Could I borrow a pen, please? Thank you." "Sure… no problem." As the receptionist handed Odessa the pen, Ansel's eyes shifted to her. He said nothing, but the fire simmering in his bloodshot eyes was unmistakable. Startled, the receptionist quickly withdrew her hand, her voice trembling. "Sorry… I don't have a pen." Just as Odessa moved to find one herself, a fountain pen slipped from Sydney's purse and clattered onto the floor. "Ah! I'm so sorry! It just slipped right out!" Sydney exclaimed, her cheeks flushing with panic. But despite her unease, she remained rooted in place, not reaching down to pick it up. Odessa didn't hesitate. She grabbed the pen and pressed it into Ansel's hands, her voice cold and relentless. "Sign it." Every eye was fixed on him. It was painfully clear to everyone that he didn't want a divorce. His earlier outburst was simply his wounded pride lashing out in desperation. But that no longer mattered. The line had been crossed. Ansel's gaze darkened as he stared at the pen, fury twisting his features. In a swift motion, he snatched it from Odessa's hand and tossed it into the trash. He turned to Sydney and shouted, "Who told you to bring that pen out?" Tears welled in Sydney's eyes. "You said you had an important meeting today… I just thought you might need it." For a brief moment, Ansel's heart softened. He took a deep breath and turned back to Odessa, his face shadowed like storm clouds. Without a word, he tore the divorce agreement to shreds. "Alright. We can proceed with the divorce, but this agreement is riddled with problems. I'll have my lawyer draw up a proper version and inform you when it's ready." Odessa saw straight through his excuse. She shook her head, her voice sharp and unwavering. "Then have your lawyer come now. I don't want a single cent from you. I'll walk away with nothing. I just want to end our marriage as soon as possible." Ansel seized her wrist, dragging her close. His bloodshot eyes burned with desperation as he hissed, "Odessa, do you even realize what you're saying? How do you expect to survive without me? Have you ever stopped to think about that?" Tears welled in Odessa's eyes, dampening her long lashes. The sorrow in her gaze surged like a rising tide, threatening to drown everything. She leaned in, voice barely above a whisper. "I told you… I've already died. I only have five days left." Chapter 7 Odessa's words hung heavily in the air. A moment later, the silence shattered, like ice cracking under sudden pressure. Ansel shoved her hard, rage bursting forth. "How many times are you going to make up lies like this?" Odessa stumbled, nearly losing her balance. She lowered her gaze and offered a bitter smile. "You never believe me. But I guess that's fair… the trust between us disappeared long ago." Ansel glared at her, his whole body trembling with rage, yet he remained silent. In the blink of an eye, he regained control, a mocking smile curling on his lips. "Fine. If that's what you want… I'll divorce you on the sixth day." Without looking back, he grabbed Sydney's hand and started to walk away. "Ansel, please! You have to believe me!" Odessa rushed after them but was stopped by the gate as it swung shut. Without warning, she tumbled to the ground. Her heel snapped loudly, a sharp pain shooting through her ankle. She let out a muffled cry, refusing to look at her injury. Instead, she turned to the receptionist and pleaded, "Please… could you open the gate for me?" Before the receptionist could reply, Ansel's sharp, commanding voice pierced the silence. "Don't let her in!" Yet, when his eyes landed on Odessa's disheveled appearance, a flicker of tenderness softened the hardness in his gaze. Sydney noticed immediately. Without missing a beat, she leaned into her act. "Ansel, my face still hurts. Can you check if it's swollen?" Ansel's attention shifted. He knelt down, gently blowing on her cheek. "Come on, let's go back to the office. I'll get some ice for it." She bit her lip, tears glistening in her eyes. "But what about Odessa…" Caught in Sydney's pleading look, Ansel steeled himself and said firmly, "From now on, no one lets Odessa into the building without my approval." When she saw them so close, Odessa's heart broke, bleeding with each agonizing beat. Through choked sobs, she pleaded, "For God's sake, Ansel! Can't you trust me just this once? I only have five days left!" Ansel didn't look back. Without a word, he stepped into the elevator. Suddenly, the room grew still. Every pair of eyes felt like sharp needles piercing Odessa's skin. Yet, rather than pain, a deep, hollow void began to spread inside her chest. After what felt like an eternity, she forced herself up and staggered out of the building. Outside, thick clouds hung heavy in the sky. Two young women stood at the bus stop. Their eyes were locked on Halberg Group's building, confusion etched across their faces. "Wasn't that screen showing the CEO's proposal video before? Why did it suddenly switch to an ad?" "That spokesperson isn't particularly pretty, but she has a fresh, innocent look. I have no idea who she is, though." Odessa paused, looking up. The giant LED screen now featured a commercial with Sydney, promoting Halberg Group's latest "True Love" jewelry collection. At the heart of the ad was a dazzling ring. It was a limited-edition piece from the company's 100-Year Anniversary Collection. As Odessa stared at the screen, her mind wandered back to when the jewelry designs were nothing more than rough sketches. She recalled Ansel laying them before her, eager to hear her thoughts. "Odessa, which one speaks to you the most?" he asked. She pointed to a ring shaped like a maple leaf. "This one. It's beautiful." Ansel smiled, leaning in to kiss her. "I love that one too. Maple leaves shine their brightest in autumn. It reminds me of the first time I saw you at school. "I'll make it the centerpiece of our 100-Year Anniversary Collection. But it won't be for sale. It will belong to you alone." Odessa wrapped her arms around him, looking up with a teasing pout. "You'd better mean it. If you don't, I'll leave you forever." "I swear on my life!" Chapter 8 Ansel's promise still lingered in Odessa's ears, as if spoken just yesterday. And yet, the ring that once held the weight of their love now graced Sydney's finger. Odessa stared blankly at the screen, tears streaming down her face without her even realizing it. "Miss, are you alright?" The two women looked at her in surprise and quickly handed her a tissue. But when they took a closer look, their eyes widened in disbelief. "Aren't you… the wife of Halberg Group's CEO?" Odessa accepted the tissue with a word of thanks. At their question, she offered a bitter smile and shook her head. "Not anymore. There's no such thing as eternal love. Maybe the journey is beautiful… but the ending is always the same." With that, she turned and walked away, her steps faltering. The two women exchanged uneasy glances as they watched her silhouette disappear into the distance. By the time Odessa returned home, a fever had already set in. She sank onto the couch, her body weighed down by exhaustion. As her eyes closed, sleep enveloped her quickly. In her dream, she was carried back to a crisp autumn day when she was just 17. The campus was alive with the vibrant hues of maple leaves, and for the first time, she found herself running late. By chance, she came face-to-face with Ansel, who stood guard at the school gate. Back then, he was a slender, neatly dressed teenager. Odessa could still picture his face as she wrote her name in his notebook, a brief smile softening his typically serious expression. "Odessa… What a beautiful name." After meeting his clear, steady gaze, Odessa felt her cheeks flush. That night, her fever surged. She floated in and out of sleep, caught in a blur where dreams dissolved into reality. In the midst of it all, she felt someone lifting her gently, a cool, damp cloth soothing her burning skin. "Ansel?" she murmured instinctively. "I'm here." The voice was gentle, carrying the unmistakable timbre of youth. It was the voice of a 17-year-old Ansel. Suddenly, Odessa's eyes snapped open. Darkness and silence engulfed the living room. She was completely alone. She gazed into the shadows for a long moment before closing her eyes, tears silently soaking into the cushion beneath her. For the next three days, Ansel didn't appear once. He had clearly decided to cut her off completely. Not only had he ignored her messages and calls, but he had even gone so far as to freeze her credit cards. With only two days remaining, Odessa had no choice but to reach out to Ansel's assistant, Gregory McMann. But instead of his usual courteous tone, Gregory's voice was cold and firm, edged with unmistakable impatience. "Ms. Montclair, if you want to reach Mr. Halberg, you'll need to speak with Ms. Wainwright. He's been with her constantly for the past two days." Without another word, he ended the call. Odessa gripped her phone tightly, a wave of humiliation rising in her chest. Gregory's cold attitude was nothing more than a reflection of Ansel's. Just then, a message from Sydney lit up her screen, dripping with contempt. "Mr. McMann told me everything. How pathetic! You can't even catch a glimpse of Ansel now!" Moments later, a stream of photos appeared, each one revealing intimate glimpses of Sydney and Ansel together. Odessa immediately recognized the background. It was a place all too familiar. "Actually, Ansel flew me all the way to Yandoria. He's going to propose tomorrow, just like he always said he would. "Do you want to be there when it happens? Oh, that's right… you're broke now, aren't you? But since you helped me through college, I'll be kind enough to send you money for a plane ticket. You wouldn't want to miss the big moment!" Shortly after, a transfer of ten thousand dollars appeared in Odessa's account. The young woman who had once struggled to afford even a meal was now shamelessly showing off Ansel's money, all to spite and humiliate her. Odessa let out a bitter laugh. Without a second thought, she booked a plane ticket to Yandoria. The journey was grueling, stretching well over an entire day. By the time she finally arrived at the castle, the afternoon was slipping away quickly. In just a few hours, she would leave this world behind forever. Chapter 9 Inside the magnificent castle, a violinist played a graceful melody while flower girls scattered petals along the aisle. The air was thick with romance and grandeur. Disheveled and breathless, Odessa stumbled in just in time to see Ansel on one knee, holding out an engagement ring to Sydney. "Sydney, will you marry me?" he proposed. His eyes were gentle and full of love. In that instant, Odessa was transported back to a memory from three years ago. Ansel had once looked at her just like that, but back then, his eyes had been full of tears. Sydney stood radiant in a stunning wedding gown, its long train shimmering beneath the lights. Blushing, she extended her hand and whispered, "I will." Odessa couldn't ignore the striking resemblance. The gown was almost identical to the one she had worn. In just a few days, Ansel had it remade. The memories that had once meant the world to her clearly held no weight for him. To Ansel, it seemed any woman could take her place at the altar. Tears poured down Odessa's face. Without warning, the bag holding the divorce papers slipped from her fingers and fell to the floor. Despite this, the gentle thud was lost beneath the thunder of cheers and applause. Surrounded by a tide of congratulations, Ansel drew Sydney close and leaned in to kiss her. Unable to watch any longer, Odessa suddenly rushed forward. "Ansel!" Her hoarse voice shattered the perfect moment. The room plunged into a heavy, unsettling silence. Ansel turned toward her, a flicker of panic flashing in his eyes at her disheveled appearance. Instinctively, he pushed Sydney aside, his expression hardening. "What are you doing here?" he asked. Odessa wiped away her tears, forcing a bitter smile. "I just came to wish you well. And also—" She held up the divorce papers. "To divorce you." Ansel scoffed. "I told you, I'll sign it on the sixth day. It's not time yet." Odessa grasped his sleeve. "Please… just let us both move on. All you have to do is sign your name." Her eyes were bloodshot, and strands of hair stuck to her pale face. She looked like a delicate porcelain doll, ready to shatter at any moment. Ansel froze, their eyes locked in a tense silence before he abruptly pulled his hand away. His voice was sharp and unforgiving. "Odessa, do you really believe you have any right to bargain with me?" he questioned. Sydney clutched Ansel's arm, leaning in with a confident smirk. She gave Odessa a pointed look and said, "Ansel has already set the date with you. It's only a few hours away. Why are you so insistent on today? Is it because you're jealous he proposed to me?" Ansel reached out, gently stroking Sydney's hair. "There's no need to waste your breath on her," he said coldly. Odessa trembled uncontrollably. "Ansel… today really is my last day on this earth. I'm not lying, I—" "Enough!" Ansel's voice sliced through her like a knife. "Odessa, how many times do I have to say it? These lies are pathetic. You say you're dead, but where's the proof? Can a ghost really board a plane? "Keep spinning these stories, and I'll have you sent to a psychiatric hospital. This is the last time we'll ever see each other!" A deafening ringing exploded inside Odessa's head, as if the last thread of her sanity had finally snapped. Her eyes widened in torment as she screamed, "Ansel! Is this some kind of game to you? Why won't you just set me free? "You treat me like I'm nothing but an old toy. You don't play with me anymore, yet you can't find the strength to let me go. So here I am, just collecting dust! "Didn't you say Sydney was just a passing distraction? So what on earth are you doing now? Why can't you walk away from me?" Tears streamed down her face as she spoke. Her strength gave way, and she collapsed to the floor. "I wasn't lying… that night… I was stabbed 17 times… it hurt so much…" Her voice dwindled to a fragile whisper. She wrapped her arms around her knees, sobbing uncontrollably. A sharp, searing pain ripped through Ansel's chest. His eyes reddened as he reached down and helped Odessa to her feet. "Come with me," he said. Sydney grabbed his sleeve, her voice trembling with desperation. "Ansel, please don't go!" Chapter 10 "Just wait for me. I'll be right back," Ansel reassured Sydney. Without another word, he grabbed Odessa by the wrist and pulled her out of the venue. She didn't resist, letting him lead her into a quiet study. A heavy silence hung between them. Ansel's eyes remained fixed on Odessa. After a long, tense pause, he finally spoke, his voice low and hoarse. "What if we don't go through with the divorce? I'll end things with Sydney." Odessa let out a bitter laugh and shook her head. "If you were truly capable of letting her go, you wouldn't have needed to drag me in here to say it. Maybe you haven't realized it yet… but you've already fallen for her." Besides, Sydney was only the beginning. Even if she vanished, there would always be someone else waiting to take her place. Ansel clenched his fists, still refusing to back down. "What if I sent her overseas? You'd be in separate cities, living separate lives. Would that finally satisfy you?" A sharp ache tightened in Odessa's chest. Too weary to argue, she simply shook her head. "No." Ansel's eyes burned red, frustration creeping into his expression. "Why do you have to make this so hard? Why can't you just—" Before he could continue, Odessa struck him sharply across the face. "Ansel, I don't love you anymore. Do you understand? The moment you betrayed me, everything ended. There's no going back!" In an instant, the atmosphere thickened, plunging into an eerie, suffocating silence. Ansel stood with his head slightly tilted, staring at the floor in disbelief. His bloodshot eyes held a fierce, unsettling glare. Snapping back to himself, he raised his hand, but the slap never came. Instead, his fingers trembled as they curled tightly into a fist. "Fine! If you want a divorce, then so be it! But don't you dare regret it!" Without warning, he grabbed the divorce papers from Odessa's hands and signed them without a second thought. In a burst of anger, he slammed the papers against her cheek. "Are you happy now?" he shouted. The sharp sting flared into a burning red mark across her face. Odessa staggered back, shocked into silence. After a long pause, she bent down and gathered the papers, holding them close to her chest. "At last, I'm free," she whispered. Seeing her relief only ignited Ansel's fury even more. "You'll regret this," he hissed through gritted teeth. Without looking back, he spun around and walked away. "Ansel!" Odessa caught his sleeve, her tear-filled eyes slowly softening as the anger drained away. At last, a bitter smile flickered across her lips. "Will you come with me to the red maple grove behind the hill?" she asked. "Let's make it our final farewell." Ansel hesitated for a heartbeat before pulling his hand away. His voice was cold and cutting. "No! From this moment on, whether you live or die is none of my concern." Without another glance, he turned and walked away. Odessa remained frozen, watching his figure disappear into the shadows. Her heart was numb. Maybe this was for the best. When the news of her death reached him… at least he wouldn't mourn. Night had fallen. While clutching the divorce papers to her chest, Odessa gazed up at the pale, distant moon as she made her way toward the red maple grove. The moonlight was crisp and radiant, bathing the fiery red leaves in a shimmering glow. She wandered among the trees for what felt like hours. At exactly 11:58 pm, she pulled out her phone and typed a message to Ansel. "I don't regret falling in love with you, Ansel. The happiness we shared was real, and so were the good times. But if I could start over, I'd choose never to have met you. I can't accept an ending like this." The moment she hit send, the clock struck midnight. The castle's bell tolled, its chime cutting through the still night air. Odessa's eyes lingered on the chat screen, realizing the message had failed to send. A shiver ran down her cheeks. Bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, she let out a quiet breath and closed her eyes. In that very moment, she vanished without a trace. At the same time, in a foul-smelling, shadowed gutter on the outskirts of Brightmoore, a frantic call came through to the police. A woman's mutilated body had been discovered.