Before My Body Is Cold

My body wasn't even cold.

But my boyfriend had already brought his old flame home.

I floated by the bed, watching them nuzzle close, watching them eat a candlelight dinner.

Watching the man, who was usually waited on hand and foot at home, personally cook breakfast for that old flame.

And what about me?

No one knows I'm dead.

1

I watched with my own eyes as Simon Sutton carried his old flame into our bedroom.

I stood in front of the door, trying to block them with my body, but they passed right through me.

That's right.

I remember now.

I'm already dead.

Maybe it was yesterday, or maybe it was just a moment ago.

I don't remember. All I know is I woke up floating at home.

And my boyfriend—the man I was supposed to marry in three months—

was letting his old flame sit on our wedding bed.

Simon Sutton brought Linnet Ashwood a glass of warm water.

"Drink some warm water and get some sleep. You can rest easy here."

A large tear glistened in Linnet Ashwood's eye as she looked up.

A flicker of panic flashed in Simon Sutton's eyes, all thoughts of his fiancée forgotten.

He set down the glass and gripped Linnet Ashwood's shoulders with both hands.

"Don't cry. Crying too much isn't good for your eyes."

"Everything will be fine now that you're back in the country. You've still got me, your old friend."

Linnet Ashwood just cried harder, her shoulders trembling.

Then she threw her arms around Simon Sutton's waist, collapsing against him as if she were boneless.

"Ian, you're all I have left. Don't abandon me."

"Okay?"

Suspended near the ceiling, I clenched my fists tightly.

Subconsciously, Simon Sutton glanced at the crimson wedding bed.

But he just closed his eyes for a bare moment, then pushed me completely from his thoughts.

"Alright."

Linnet Ashwood's face lit up, her smile carrying a subtle, triumphant pride.

It was a look that said, 'See, Yulia Sutton? Even after five years, you're no match for me.'

And to him, it said, 'Simon Sutton, no matter how far you wander, you always come back to me.'

A sharp pain seized my heart, spreading through my chest.

I doubled over in anguish.

'Strange. Can a wandering spirit still feel heartache?'

Linnet Ashwood took the initiative, pressing a kiss to Simon Sutton's Adam's apple.

Simon Sutton groaned, then responded with a sudden, fierce passion.

Only then did I realize how passionate Simon Sutton could be with someone he loved.

The ceaseless chorus of gasps and groans pierced the walls.

I clamped my hands over my ears, but it was impossible to block out those devastating sounds.