24
The news went viral.
People recognized the wheelchair found on the beach–the one Liam had made for me.
The internet exploded.
“Oh my god, that’s Summer! They drove her to suicide!”
“How desperate must she have been? Poor Summer. She was such a kind person. I remember she did SO much charity work online, even started shelter for stray dogs.”
a
“I heard she sponsored many orphans, using her allowance to help them. She was a wonderful person.”
“Why would Summer kill herself?”
“She had an abortion. She must have been incredibly desperate.”
“Chloe deserves to die! She drove Summer to suicide…”
“Do you think it was murder? Did Chloe kill Summer?”
Conspiracy theories flooded the internet.
The Sterlings received the news.
Liam’s mother called him, but he didn’t answer. She called Vivian.
His mother’s voice was urgent.“Where’s Liam?”
Vivian looked at Liam, who was clutching the ring, his eyes red with tears.“He can’t answer the phone right now.”
“Summer is dead. Did you hear?”
“What?” Vivian gasped, her face paling.
His mother’s voice was sharp. “Summer is dead! It’s on the news. A body was found on the beach, a wheelchair nearby. It’s the one your brother made for her. It’s unique. There’s no mistaking it.”
Vivian stumbled back, whispering, “How… how could this happen? No, it’s impossible…”
A doorbell rang.
The housekeeper answered.
Police officers stood at the door.
“Is Liam Sterling here?”
Vivian didn’t know how to tell Liam, tears streaming down her face.
Liam, holding the ring, was lost.“I am.”
The officer said, “Please come with
We need you us.
to identify a body.”
- a what?” Liam’s eyes widened.
A woman’s body,” the officer repeated.
A chill ran through Liam.
He knew.
< 24
But he refused to believe it.
He couldn’t believe I’d be so heartless… choosing death over him.
Marus
The officer showed him a photo.“Mr. Sterling, we investigated. This wheelchair was custom–made by you for your wife. It’s unique in the city. It was found near the body. Your wife has been missing for days…”
“No, it’s not Summer. I’m not going.”
Liam’s eyes were bloodshot.
He took a deep breath, staring at the officers.“Summer’s just playing games. She’ll be back. She’s not missing; she’s hiding. I’ll find her.”
“Liam…” Vivian cried, grabbing his arm.“Let’s go! She’s been missing for days. That’s the wheelchair you made. Maybe… maybe it’s her.”
Vivian sobbed uncontrollably.
Liam threw her hand off, his eyes wide.“Impossible. It’s not Summer. We loved each other. She wouldn’t leave me like this. It’s not true. It can’t be true…”
But as he spoke, tears streamed down his face.
Was my Summer really dead? Had she truly abandoned him?
