During a geological survey, the ground just gave way beneath us.

Rosalie Lewis, my husband Yosef Gibson's old flame, and I tumbled into a deep pit, buried under a pile of rocks.

Yosef thought I'd intentionally dragged Rosalie down with me as we fell.

With tears in his eyes, he saved the unconscious Rosalie, but ignored my faint cries for help.

"Layla, you damn bitch! If she's hurt, you'll pay with your life!" Yosef yelled.

As a punishment, Yosef ordered the pit sealed with huge rocks. He forbade anyone from rescuing me and left the scene with everyone else.

Trapped in the remote mountains, I screamed my heart out for help, but no one came. Three months pregnant, and there I was, bleeding out under me. I kept scratching at the rocks, my breaths getting shallower until they stopped altogether, and my spirit left my body.

——

Frantic, Yosef rushed Rosalie to the nearest hospital.

Outside the OR, he ordered coldly, "Keep an eye on Layla. Don't let anyone help her. If she gets out, shove her back in!"

But he didn't know I was already dead.

Chris, my fellow geologist, stood by, struggling to speak up. "Mr. Gibson, we really should get Mrs. Gibson out. She's gonna die otherwise."

As the head of the Gibson family and their business empire, few ever dared challenge him.

Yosef let out a scoff. "Die? As if a bitch like her would go down that easy."

Chris, visibly shaken, still pushed, "M-Mr. Gibson, there's barely any air down there. If we don't act soon, she's really in danger."

Yosef snorted dismissively, "Oh, please. That bitch is tougher than she looks. A few more hours won't make a difference."

Half an hour later, Rosalie was wheeled out of the OR, slowly waking up.

A nurse muttered as she passed, "She's only got a few scratches, but he's freaking out like we need to save her life or something."

In the hospital room, Rosalie, tears in her eyes, threw her arms around Yosef. "Yosef, I thought I'd never see you again."

Yosef comforted her gently, "It's all right. I'm here now. Layla tried to harm you. I never thought she'd stoop this low. Don't worry, I've made sure she'll stay in that pit alone as her punishment."

Rosalie quickly shook her head. "Layla wouldn't do that on purpose. Yosef, please, we have to get her out.

She loves you so much. Don't let this ruin things between you two.

No way. I'm going to help her myself."

But as she threw off her blankets and attempted to stand, she collapsed weakly to the floor.

Unknown to her, I, now just a lonely spirit, was watching her. I couldn't help but scoff.

If I hadn't seen her push me towards the falling rocks while she jumped aside, I might have believed her lies.

I wondered, "How would Yosef react if he knew I was dead, and that his sweet, innocent Rosalie was actually this cruel?"

Yosef scooped Rosalie into his arms. His voice was thick with concern as he said, "Layla brought this on herself. You're too kind and innocent, even thinking of forgiving her. She knew it was dangerous and still dragged you into it. I had to teach her a lesson, otherwise, I might have lost you forever.

You wouldn't believe it, but when I was pulling you out, she grabbed at my legs, lying that she was pregnant. I've seen through Layla's dirty tricks. She just wanted me to save her so she could go after you again."

My heart ached, and it was hard to breathe.

I pondered, "Is that really how Yosef sees me? As someone so selfish and ruthless?"

He never knew the agony I endured in my final moments. Beneath that pit, my legs were crushed to a pulp, the darkness complete.

The air was thin. It felt like an invisible hand was choking me until I could no longer breathe.

Mad with desperation, I tried to shift the rocks crushing me. I struggled repeatedly, my nails breaking, my hands bloodied.

The last time, filled with hope, I tugged at him, begging pitifully for him to save me, to save our unborn child.

But he kicked me away ruthlessly, saying, "You deserve it. Go to hell!"

I lost all my strength. Overwhelmed by resentment, bitterness, and utter despair, I died.

Yosef tucked Rosalie in and asked, "Hungry? I'll send Mark to grab you something."

Rosalie nodded, a smile spreading across her face.

About an hour later, Mark, Yosef's assistant, came back.

While feeding Rosalie, Yosef casually told Mark, "Layla's probably learned her lesson by now.

Grab some guys and pull her out of that pit. Then make her look after Rosalie until she's out of here.

If she gives you any trouble, let me know."

Mark nodded and hurried out.

Pretending to be surprised, Rosalie said, "Layla's your wife. How can you have her serve me? I can't bear it.

Yosef, you need to make things right with her. I'm fine, really."

Yosef gently stroked her hair, his face showing both concern and affection.

He responded, "You're too good-hearted, too blind to the bad in people. That's why Layla could hurt you.

You've got to be more careful. Don't trust people so easily. Anything comes up, you tell me. I'll protect you no matter what."

Moved to tears, Rosalie buried her face in Yosef's chest and murmured, "Yosef, you're always so good to me. I only feel safe with you around."

Looking up with teary eyes, they locked gazes. Suddenly, their lips met. They broke away briefly, only to kiss more deeply, clinging to each other.

As Yosef began to undress, Rosalie suddenly pushed him away, exclaiming, "No! Yosef, you're still Layla's husband. We can't do this. It's not right."

Yosef held her tightly, calming his desires. "I'm sorry. This is so unfair to you. Once Layla comes back, I'll divorce her, and then we can get married."

Rosalie looked down, a sly smile flickering across her face.

Watching this, I felt sick to my stomach.

I thought, "This is freaking ridiculous. Yosef is too blinded to see Rosalie for who she really is."

Actually, she'd done plenty of dirty stuff.

I was the head of our geological survey team.

Rosalie and I had the same major in college. After she graduated, Yosef tried to get her on my team, asking me to look after her.

I said no, telling him it wasn't fair. But Yosef pulled some strings and got her in anyway.

Once Rosalie joined, she treated every survey like a vacation. She always acted superior, never took the job seriously, and kept messing things up for everyone. We fell way behind schedule because of her.

I couldn't ignore it and ended up scolding her.

Anna, one of my team members, couldn't stand Rosalie. She mocked Rosalie for getting the job through nepotism.

The next day, Rosalie tearfully complained to Yosef. As a result, Anna was fired. Yosef even made Anna kneel and say sorry to Rosalie in front of everyone.

Then, I tried to take Anna with me to talk to Yosef.

Rosalie slapped me hard across the face, smirking, "Anna screwed up, and as the team leader, you're also to blame, Layla. You want Anna to stay? Fine, kneel and crawl around me, and I'll consider it."

I lost my temper and pushed her.

Rosalie dramatically fell to the ground, right when Yosef showed up.

He picked Rosalie up and glared at me. The hate in his eyes made me think he wanted to rip me apart.

I stumbled back, watching them leave.

Yosef gave Rosalie credit for my big discovery, just to make her happy. I had been tirelessly working on it for the past six months.

I had spent countless sleepless nights on it, pouring my heart and soul into the project. Yosef just shrugged and said, "You owe her this."

Suddenly, Rosalie was the star, bathed in glory and fame.

Me? I got painted as a thief who stole her work.

Yosef used his money and power to keep me down. I couldn't fight back.

The news hit me hard. I was out of it. Behind me, the ground under Rosalie suddenly gave way. She yanked me down without me noticing, then shoved me to block the falling rocks.

It seemed like forever before I saw Yosef stumble toward us. But the tears streaming down his face weren't for me.

Shaking, he scooped up Rosalie. Rosalie pointed at me with her last bit of strength. "It was her..." Then she passed out.

Her accusation made Yosef kick my hand away as I clung to his pant leg. He kicked me again, his voice filled with rage, "You damn bitch! If anything happens to her, you're dead. I'll make sure of it!

Since you love causing pain, now it's your turn to suffer!"

Yosef ordered his bodyguards fill in the pit with rocks. I screamed desperately, "I didn't hurt her! Everyone saw I didn't push her!

Yosef, you can't do this. I'm pregnant with your kid. You'll regret this!"

A few of my teammates tried to speak up for me, but Yosef cut them off coldly, "I can't believe you'd stoop so low as to drag them into your lie. And this pregnancy story? Pathetic. Do you think I'd believe anything you say now?"

Without a backward glance, Yosef carried Rosalie to his car and drove away. He warned everyone not to help me and ordered them all to leave.

While Yosef and Rosalie were getting all mushy in the hospital room, Mark burst in, wiping sweat from his brow, looking frantic.

"Mr. Gibson, bad news. Mrs. Gibson is gone, and she's..." Mark started.

Yosef frowned. "What? She ran off?"

Mark shook, his voice quivering, "No, Mrs. Gibson... She's not breathing."

Yosef jumped to his feet, disbelief flashing across his face. Then he sneered, "So you're on her side too, huh? Just another one of her stunts. She's pulling this crap to get my attention!"

He plopped back down, crossing his legs, acting like he had it all figured.

"I... I wouldn't dare lie to you. If you don't believe me, you can check for yourself..." Mark suggested.

Yosef dismissed him with a wave and a sneer, "I knew it. She wants me to come to her. Same old tricks!"

Mark started to say something else, but one cold glance from Yosef made him quickly zip his lips.

"You tell her, she's got half an hour to get her butt here. Or she can kiss her job bye-bye. Now, get out," Yosef commanded.

Mark left, his face etched with worry.

Yosef knew how much I valued my job. I had poured years of my life into it. Normally, I would have been right there. But I was gone for good this time.

Rosalie, worried Yosef might reconsider, grabbed him and said, "Yosef, don't leave me alone. I'm scared."

Yosef stroked her hair, saying softly, "Silly girl, don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. That bitch Layla isn't worth my time.

She's fit only to be our maid now. I'll make her serve you as her punishment. From now on, she'll do all the grueling, dirty work. We'll enjoy watching her grovel at our feet."

Rosalie cracked up at his words.

I watched everything unfold, shaking uncontrollably and crying my eyes out.

"What the hell am I still hoping for?" I wondered bitterly. "I'm such an idiot for thinking he'd regret it when he heard I died. So the love we once shared is long gone."

I first laid eyes on Yosef, looking like some kind of golden boy, in the mountains. Dust and rocks were flying everywhere.

Looking up, dirty and disheveled, I caught his attention. He stood there, backlit by the light, and said, "A girl interested in rocks? That's rare."

From there, we grew close, fell in love, and got married. He admired my decisiveness, bravery, sincerity, and purity of heart. And he promised to support my career and protect me from any hardships.

That all fell apart when Rosalie showed up. Yosef cleared every obstacle from her path, orchestrating her every move.

Our relationship became strained with constant arguments. He justified his actions by saying he was redeeming his younger self. He felt a lifelong debt to her, claiming it was his duty.

Rosalie constantly played games, trying to set Yosef against me. She'd say things like, "Yosef, Layla spends more time with rocks than with you. You're always waiting at home, and she just keeps ignoring you.

If she really loved you, why wouldn't she want to have your kids after being married for so long?"

Yosef used to respect my choices, but now he was forcing me to quit my job and get pregnant. He'd lose it, yelling I was selfish, fake, and money-hungry.

I refused to give in and chose to distance myself from the city's chaos to focus on my career. Yosef partied with Rosalie all the time.

Now that I was dead, I felt kind of relieved.

Rosalie rubbed her eyes. Yosef soothingly rubbed her back, asking, "Tired?"

Yosef checked his phone for messages but found nothing about me.

"Layla's just causing drama. It's been so long, and she still hasn't shown up," Yosef grumbled.

Rosalie, playing all sweet, said, "You don't need to go this far, Yosef. I'm happy as long as you're with me. I can look after myself if needed."

Yosef felt all bad for Rosalie being so tough and nice. Anyway, it made him hate me even more.

"Rosalie, you get some sleep. I'm gonna drag that bitch back here. I'll make her serve you on her knees," he declared.

Then he stormed out and drove off fast.

A geological survey often lasted a while, so it was common to set up makeshift shelters near the site.

Yosef slammed the shelter's door open, frowning.

"What the fuck? It stinks in here. Where's Layla? Get her ass out here!" Yosef yelled.

Mark hesitated, looking down, too scared to speak. His eyes occasionally glanced at the body on the wooden table, while the bodyguards around him looked tense.

My body was a mess, all bloody on the table with a sheet just tossed over it.

Looking at the white sheet, Yosef scoffed, "This Layla's idea too? She thinks she can fool me by pretending to be dead?

Layla, you've got some nerve. Looks like you have a death wish, huh?"

He walked over to my body, cursing under his breath, and kicked it harshly onto the floor.

It hit the floor with a thud, fluttering to the side.

Tears streamed down my face involuntarily. It felt like I was back in that cramped, dark space before my death, completely desperate.

Yosef paused, his expression one of shock and confusion.

My body had turned stiff and cold, the skin a horrific bluish-black, with dark, clotted blood all over.

The lower half was wrecked, just mush and broken bones sticking out all weird.

The forehead was split open by the impact, a bloody gash laid bare. The eyes remained wide open, a lifeless stare.

After a few seconds, Yosef regained his composure and sneered at the crowd. He swept his icy gaze over everyone.

He spat, "She thinks this fake corpse can fool me? Fucking joke!

What did Layla promise you to make you all betray me and join her in this deception? You..."

Mark, dripping with sweat, broke in, "M-Mr. Gibson, this is your wife..."

Before Mark could finish, Yosef kicked him to the ground and snapped, "You backstabbing prick! Are you teamed up with Layla to fool me? And now you're defending that bitch, huh?

What has Layla promised you? I treat you like gold and you pull this crap? If you don't follow my orders, get the fuck out, now.

Someone, get this crap out of here and burn it. It's gross. And tell Layla, playing her games is useless!"

Mark crumpled to the ground, howling in pain. Nobody else dared speak up. Two bodyguards quickly moved to carry my body away.

I couldn't believe Yosef wouldn't buy I was dead, even with my corpse right there.

Sitting down, Yosef glared at everyone, barking, "I'm out of patience. This is your last chance. Tell me where Layla is, or you're all getting buried."

Clutching his stomach, Mark struggled to his feet, his expression shifting. After a moment of hesitation, he decided to speak the truth.

"Mr. Gibson, your wife's dead. That was her body. We're not lying to you. If you don't believe it, go check at the hospital. Let's at least bury Mrs. Gibson properly," he said.

Yosef glared him down, then smirked. "Someone! Dig a hole and bury him!"

The two bodyguards hesitated but began to drag Mark out. Mark, white as a sheet, decided to let it all out, "Yosef, you psycho! This is murder! You left your wife to die, and now you want to destroy her body. You're just a fucking beast..."

Yosef's face turned even darker, his eyes icy with rage.

The bodyguards quickly pulled Mark away as his shouts grew fainter.

Bob, a guard, saw his chance to suck up. "Mark's talking crap, Mr. Gibson. Don't let him get to you. Layla's always been cunning. She probably escaped, and we don't know where she is. But we'll find her, whatever it takes."

Yosef's severe look softened slightly. "At least you've got brains. Go grab her, now!"