(Peyton's POV)

There were times where I wished that I could live a long,fulfilled life.Or that I'd live to be 80 years old with the love of my life.Or at the very least,die a peaceful death,but that wasn't my case.

Here I was,hovering around this godforsaken place.Truth is,I died,but my soul somehow couldn't leave Mason Reed–my ex.How crazy was that?!!

I never believed in ghost stories and stuff like that,but seeing myself as a ghost really was a wake-up call.

As I floated in mid-air,watching Mason with his arm around Harper Reese's shoulders,I felt like puking.

His expression was tender,yes,he could be tender.When Mason was in love,everything he did for that person was treasured.I once was one of such people–the only one.

So,seeing him display this level of affection for Harper irked me.It was supposed to be me in her place,but since the accident which caused his memory loss,it was never me anymore.

Today was Harper's birthday,and Mason had gathered his friends to celebrate her.He really went all out for her.

"Dude,where's Peyton?"someone asked."Isn't she always clinging to you like she was stuck with glue?"

"Try calling her,let's see if she'll be here within 30 minutes!!"They laughed,taking sips out of their wine glass.

"That's right!Let's see if she lives up to her'30-minutes queen'title."

"I would really love to see that,"another one said,bellowing in laughter,as he ruffled his hair with the other free hand.

I listened to them take turns in making fun of me,but then I looked at Mason Reed,he wasn't smiling,but his eyes gleamed with satisfaction as they made fun of me.He didn't stop them and from the way he looked,he wasn't going to.

"Guys,chill out.There's no need calling her.She'd only ruin the mood and I certainly don't want that happening,so let's not jinx it,alright?"Mason said,while drawing invincible patterns on Harper's body.

I sneered at them.Putting the pieces together,it seemed they had been betting on me all along.To them,I was just some game that they could play with it.

On several occasions,I'd received calls from Mason while working late.Sometimes he was genuinely drunk,but more times than nought,it was just a bet between him and his useless friends.

"On a serious note,bro,I haven't seen Peyton in a long time.Is everything okay?"Zane Maddox,Mason's closest friend,asked.Was he genuinely concerned about me or was he just faking it?

I turned to him,wondering if he'd sensed that something was off.Did he know something about my death?

The night I died,it felt like someone attacked me from behind.I wasn't so sure about how I died cause my head throbbed with pain then.

And when I woke up,I noticed that my soul was trapped here.

"You have nothing to worry about,"he said,irritation in his voice."She's better off disappearing.At some point,it was nauseating because she was always clinging to me,pretending to be sick in front of my parents."

I stood before him,shouting,"I wasn't pretending,you douchebag!I really was sick!"

But he couldn't hear me.What was I expecting?He thought I made up my illness to guilt-trip him into marrying me which was far from the truth.

He had forgotten the car accident that caused damage to my brain.The blood clot still pressed against my brain nerves that caused me to severe headaches every few days.In all of those times,I never told anyone because I thought it was best I handled it.

But when Mrs Reed discovered it,I had to tell her the truth.I couldn't lie to her.When Mason found out,to him,it seemed I was looking for sympathy of some kind.

He believed that I used it to trap him.He had completely forgotten that we were on our way to the city hall when the accident occurred.

Afterward,he lost his memories of me,only thinking of me as a clingy,vile woman.I guess it was my fault for loving him unconditionally even when the odds were against me.

"Be careful about what you say,Mason.You might end up regretting it,"Zane cautioned."Besides,I sent her some text messages a few days ago which she hasn't replied to.It's weird."

His annoyance grew."She's just a toxic ex,who always causes trouble for Harper.It will be a relief if she disappears for good."

You got your wish,Mason.I'm really dead.Happy now?

"Well,in case you have forgotten,there are people who shouldn't be messed me with,"Zane said,his words making me shiver.Who was he talking about?

"For your information,I installed cameras at her place,but nothing suspicious has showed up yet,so just chill out,"he said,leaning back into the chair.He really sounded cocky.But then again,cameras?

"Mason,what if something has happened to her?"Harper asked tearfully."My dad's enemies are ruthless...I'm scared that they'll hurt her."

He comforted her,holding her close.The sight before me disgusted me.Everyone could see that she was putting on a show!But Mason was too blind to see it.Jerk!

"Don't worry,you've moved out of the apartment,so they can't find you.You're safe now,Harper,"Mason reassured her,almost like be was cooing."Peyton's a black belt in Taekwondo.She can handle herself."

Harper trembled,her eyes brimming with unshed tears,her lips quivering.

"I didn't think they'd still find me...I'm so sorry.And to think that you just bought that apartment for me."

I glared at Mason,fury burning within me.What the actual hell was going on?!!

Now I finally understood why he generously gave me the apartment.It was his cast-off gift.I realize how ridiculous I'd been.

He gave me someone else's discarded gift,and I gave my life in return.How wicked could he be?Trading my life for her freaking safety!!!

____

(Peyton's POV)

A month ago,Mason had arranged for his assistant to move me into the luxurious Dazzle Apartment Complex,saying that it was a gift.I didn't think much of it.In fact,I was very happy.I guess that was a lie as well.

He also gave me some clothes,but now I see Harper wearing the same design,and it all kind of come together.There were all lies.He played me like a fiddle and I danced to the tune.

I thought maybe he'd regained his memory,feeling guilty for his actions after losing it,but no,he just wanted me to be Harper Reese's substitute!!That was how low he thought of me.

My life wasn't even a life to begin with.It felt like I was a puppet being controlled by the puppet master.I really was naive,but I guess there were no second chances for the dead,huh?

Mason's phone rang;it was his mother,Mrs Reed.

"Young man,I told you to come home early tonight,didn't I?"She said.

"Yes,mum,"he responded,signaling on his degenerates that he called friends to quiet down.I could see them muffling their laughter.Birds of the same feathers flocked together indeed.

"Then why are you still out,Mason?"

"I know.There's no need to make a fuss about it.I'll drop Harper off and head back,"he said,massaging his temples as his eyebrows furrowed.

"I knew you were with that damn woman,"she said,clearly seething in anger."Mason,how can you be so heartless!Your fiancée is..."

Before she could finish her statement,Mason hung up,his fingers white-knuckled from gripping the phone tightly.

"That psychopath must have said something to my mom again!"He fumed."I mean,doesn't she get the memo?I do not want her!!She pretends to be missing in front of us but who knows what she's plotting behind our backs!"

My head began to ache again.The damn headache!I thought death would end my pain,but it seems that even death didn't want me to have peace.

Now I really just wanted my soul to disappear,freeing me from the sick bastard before me,but I also wanted to see the end of this.

After he was done with the party,he dropped Harper off and went back to the his home.My spirit unwillingly followed Mason to the Reed residence.

"Mom,did Peyton say something to you again?"He asked,lighting a cigarette,placing it on his lips and taking a puff.

Mrs Reed quirked her right eyebrow."What are you talking about?"

I couldn't bear his baseless accusations anymore.I stood before him,yelliny words and hoping that it would sink into his thick skull.

"Mason Reed,I've had enough of your shenanigans!I'm dead!So shut your lying mouth up,because I never spoke bad about you to your mother!"

The tears welled up,threatening to spill but he couldn't see me."Why can't you believe me?"

"Didn't I say that I'm done with her?"Mason said.He continued further by saying,"I do not love her.The sight of her makes me sick to my stomach!"

"What nonsense are you blabbing on about?I haven't heard or seen her in two weeks,"his mother replied,sorrow in her voice.

"You two were once deeply in love...so why do you suddenly hate her so much?For all I know,Peyton has been nothing short of amazing.Look,next week's family reunion would be a good chance for you both to reconcile your differences,okay?"

"Bring her along?No,I'd rather bring Harper!She's the one I want and not needy Peyton."Mason's words echoed through the room as he laughed coldly.

"Harper?"Mrs Reed questioned."There is no way you're bringing that damn woman to a family event,and that's final!"

"It is obvious that Peyton timed it perfectly,spreading rumors before the reunion so she'd be able to manipulate me into marrying her."

"Forget it!"He smirked,and left.

Watching him leave,I coldly laughed.It seemed I'd automatically be guilty,regardless of my actions.Even if I did nothing,I would still be tagged guilty.

Mrs Reed sighed,shaking her head,her eyelids drooped.She was sad at the turn of events.

"I'm so sorry,Mrs Reed,"I murmured.Though she couldn't hear me,I couldn't help but apologize.

She was my mother's close friend and had always treated me like her own daughter since my parents passed away.

Before the car accident,she and Mason were the only light in my life.Basically,they were the source of my joy and I was genuinely happy then.

Afterward,despite Mason's constant lies in a bid to belittle me before her and everyone else,she still believed in me.

She genuinely cared and helped me find top doctors when she learned about my condition.If she found out that I was dead,would she mourn for me?

Perhaps she'd be one of the few to shed tears for me–she and my best friend,Skylar.

____

(Peyton's POV)

My spirit has been tied to Mason Reed for a week.Even I was beginning to find everything funny.It was as if life was making a mockery of me.Wasn't it bad enough that I died?Did I have to be sucked back to a world where I was constantly hated and berated?

Goodness gracious!!I had done absolutely nothing wrong to deserve this punishment even in the afterlife.

But today,the Reed family held a grand banquet.I was a ghost so I didn't need to play dress up.Though the rest of the family came prepared.

Their luxurious mansion shone brightly,filled with elegant guests whose taste for fashion were incredible.

I watched as Mason walked into the hall,hand in hand with Harper Reese.They made a perfect couple.If I wasn't in the picture,I'd probably envy them if I was a guest at the reunion as well.

The murmurs began circulating like wildfire,each having something to say.As the relatives looked over the star-studded couple,they couldn't help but whisper among themselves.

"Did Mason Reed finally come with his girlfriend?"One of the relatives whispered.

"I heard they're announcing their engagement as well.I wonder which heiress caught his eyes."

"I know right!!"

I was sure that Harper was pleased with the whispers with the way her grip on Mason's arm tightened.

Mrs Reed who was initially welcoming the guests with a smile,turned stern upon seeing Harper Reese clutching onto her son.She couldn't hide her disdain for her

A bright smile made its way to her face as she greeted her timidly,"Good evening,Mrs Reed.Thank you so much for inviting me."

Mason's mother responded coldly,"This is a Reed's family gathering.I do not understand why Miss Harper is here."

Harper's eyes redden,brimming with tears,and as always,Mason stepped in to save his damsel in distress."Mum,we shouldn't cause a scene here."

Mrs Reed gave her a once-over look,"This is a family affair,Mason.Strangers aren't allowed here."

Harper turned to Mason,seeking his help with a glance.I was excited that Mrs Reed was making her suffer.If I couldn't do it anymore,someone had to do it in my stead,right?

"Isn't Mason engaged to the Vaughn's daughter?"a cousin asked,curiosity clear in her tone.

"Wasn't it Peyton?Weren't they planning to register their marriage?"another cousin thought out loud.

Mason overheard everything,his expression darkening.His eyes burning with anger with unsaid words.

"What's the meaning of this,mom?"Mason asks,his voice firm."Harper Reese is my woman and she has every right to attend our family banquet."

He threw a deadly glare at his relatives,shutting them up instantly.

"Some women are totally shameless,always scheming,plotting and misleading others into thinking that they are the Reeds family's daughter-in-law.We're all adults here,so don't be fooled by these type of manipulative women!"

I sneered.I swear,if I could smack him from where I was,I would.How dare he say such lies about me?

How could they even listen to him and conclude in my absence?It seemed like disliking someone gave one the right to tell lies about them.

I didn't want to see Mason's face,but I caught Harper's subtle,but almost visible triumphant smile.She was enjoying this.

Just then,Mason's phone rings.It was my best friend,Skylar Wade.

"Mason Reed,what the hell did you do to Peyton?Where did you hide her?"Skylar's said,rambling into the phone.Her voice was urgent and berserk.

He laughed,his voice losing its warmth,"Skylar,stop with all the pretense.I know that Peyton is with you.Or are we still playing the missing card?"

He continued,"You're on speakerphone.Let that crazy woman Peyton listen up too.Aren't you ashamed of yourself to collude in this farce?I'll say it one last time:I'm done with Peyton.Tell her to stay the hell away from me!"

His words stabbed my heart like sharp knives.It hurt so badly that all I wanted to do was cry.

Skylar's voice boomed into the phone,still enraged,"Mason Reed!!Are you insane?!Peyton is missing and that's all you have to say?!You and I both know that she'd never ignore my calls for days unend!"

I suddenly remembered that Skylar invited me for shopping yesterday the day before I hadn't answered her calls…I couldn't respond to her messages.

She must be worried sick,not knowing where I was.

"You're aiding her charade!You know how Peyton behaves.She's probably hiding,and then manipulating me into marrying her!"He retorted."Like I care what happens to her."

"You're being unreasonable right now!But I tell you what;if anything happens to Peyton,I'll make sure that you regret it!Mason Reed,mark my words!"Skylar's voice trembled with rage.

I envision her red,angry face.I was sure that Skylar was going to report my disappearance to the police,and made sure that the almighty and ruthless Mason Reed regretted this moment.

___