My wife—the woman I had loved and trusted—nestled against his chest, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "Tristan, I told you I'd help you take everything from him. And I did."
When I opened my eyes again, I was no longer drenched in blood. Instead, I was standing in the golden afternoon light of a lavish estate.
——
In front of me stood Tristan, his face beaming with the same carefully measured sincerity. His suit was immaculate. And beside him, wearing a gentle smile, was my wife—Vanessa.
"Charlie, you've taken care of me all these years," Tristan said, his voice filled with warmth. "As a token of my gratitude, I want to gift you this mansion."
A strange chill crawled down my spine. The words were painfully familiar. My fingers curled into my palms as I forced myself to stay calm.
"You're a big-shot CEO now," he continued, gesturing toward the sprawling mansion behind him. "And with Vanessa by your side, you should have a place that matches your status."
A lump formed in my throat. This already happened.