---- Chapter 19 They decided to take the trip they had always talked about, a two-month-long journey through Europe. It was a second honeymoon, a celebration of their new life. They wandered through ancient cities, ate at tiny cafes, and watched sunsets over the ocean Ericka was happy, truly happy, for the first time in years. The shadows in her eyes faded, replaced by a bright, clear light. She laughed easily and often. Caleb watched her, his heart filled with a love so fierce it was almost painful. He cherished every moment, every smile. He was making up for a lifetime of pain he had caused in another reality. One evening, they were standing on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The view was breathtaking "Caleb," Ericka said, her voice soft. "Can | ask you something?" "Anything." "Did you... in the time | was gone... did you ever love her?" The question hung in the air between them. Caleb's body went rigid. He had hoped she would never ask. But he had sworn to himself there would be no more lies between them. ---- He took a deep breath. "Yes," he admitted, his voice barely a whisper. The shame was a bitter taste in his mouth. "| think... | think | loved the idea of her. She was a substitute. A way to fill the void you left. It was a weak, selfish love, and it made me do monstrous things. It's the greatest regret of my life." He couldn't look at her. He waited for her anger, her hurt. Instead, she took his hand. "Thank you for telling me the truth," she said. She looked out at the sea. "All that matters is that you love me now." He pulled her into his arms, his relief so profound it felt like a prayer. "I will love you until the day | die," he vowed. The company is failing." Ericka knew it was a lie. Her mother's apology was driven by ---- desperation, not remorse. Still, she was her mother. "I'll think about it," Ericka said, her voice cool. "But only if Hailie is truly gone for good." She walked away, leaving her mother standing on the sidewalk. Unseen, a car was parked down the street. Hailie sat behind the wheel, her face a mask of rage. She had been following my mother. She had heard everything. They were getting rid of her. After everything she had done for them, they were casting her aside. And Ericka... Ericka had won. She had taken everything back. A black, murderous rage consumed Hailie. She saw Ericka walking down the street, so happy, so carefree. She pressed her foot to the accelerator. The engine roared to life. "If | can't have him," she screamed, her voice a raw sound of madness, "then neither can you!" The car shot forward, aimed directly at Ericka. At his office, Caleb felt a sudden, inexplicable wave of panic. His heart started hammering in his chest. A cold dread washed over him. He grabbed his phone and dialed Ericka's number. ---- It rang once, twice. Then, a stranger's voice answered. "Hello? Is this... oh my god, there's so much blood..." The world went silent. Caleb's phone slipped from his hand. No. No, not again. He had done everything right. He had protected her. He had changed their fate. How could this be happening again?