Chapter 4

I followed Garrett home silently, drifting like a shadow in his wake.

On the way, he stopped to buy groceries and picked out a chocolate cake, Riley's favorite. He seemed pleased with his choice and called her several times while driving. But no one answered.

A trace of panic crossed his face. His grip on the steering wheel tightened, and he pressed harder on the gas, overtaking cars as he sped home. I sat invisible in the passenger seat, sensing his growing unease.

When he reached the driveway, Garrett jumped out of the car and sprinted to the front door. His hands trembled as they hovered over the door handle.

"Riley!" His voice cracked with urgency.

This frantic tone—I'd only ever seen it once before, the day Brooke died.

The door clicked open, and Riley stood there, looking innocent and confused. "Dad, what's wrong? Why are you in such a rush?"

Relief washed over him as he saw her safe. His shoulders relaxed, and his eyes, now red, softened as he reached out to pat her head. "I was worried about you. I called so many times, and you didn't answer."

"Sorry, Dad. I must've fallen asleep waiting for you to come home," she replied, her voice heavy with guilt as tears welled up in her eyes.

Garrett, ever the soft-hearted father, immediately began to console her. "It's okay, it's okay. As long as you're alright, that's all that matters. It's my fault for coming home so late."

Being loved must feel so wonderful. I couldn't help but envy Riley for having Garrett's tenderness and affection.

Then, as if performing a magic trick, Garrett pulled a small, worn pouch from his pocket. "Riley," he said with a warm smile, "I want you to have this. I hope it keeps you safe and healthy, always."

My heart sank the moment I saw what he was holding. It was the silver aspen leaf bracelet—my mom's only keepsake left to me. Panic surged through me as I tried to snatch it from his hands, but my ghostly form passed right through them. Helpless, I watched as he fastened the bracelet onto Riley's wrist.

That bracelet was all I had left of my mom, and he just gave it away! Garrett, how could you?

I had offered my pendant to him as a way to honor my mom's memory, but this? Why did Riley get to have the bracelet?

Riley, feigning reluctance, gently brushed her fingers over the bracelet with what seemed like genuine affection. "Thank you, Dad, but this was meant for Willow. I really shouldn't take it. She'll be angry…"

"Oh, please. If you really didn't want it, you wouldn't already be cradling it on your wrist like some sacred treasure," I said.

Seeing her play the part of the innocent, selfless daughter sent waves of anger crashing through me. I wanted to scream.

Garrett's expression darkened, as if annoyed by her hesitation. "She's your mom, too. Giving it to Willow would be a waste. Just wear it, and don't worry about it."

For a split second, I caught a glimmer of triumph in Riley's eyes before she masked it with false concern. "Dad… has Willow still not come home? It's not good for a young woman to live out there all alone."

"You've done everything in your power to ensure I never could come home! And now you dare to pretend to care?" I snorted.

Anger boiled inside me as I remembered the pain and horror I had endured before my death. If I could, I would've strangled her right there.

"Don't mention that disgraceful girl again," Garrett snapped, his voice sharp and dismissive. "She's nothing but bad luck."

Even now, he couldn't find a kind word for me. His insults were endless.

But despite his anger, he pulled out his phone, hesitating as if torn between his emotions.

Suddenly, Riley clutched her chest and gasped. "Dad… Dad, my heart… It hurts!"

Garrett's face shifted instantly to panic. He shoved his phone back into his pocket and rushed to her side, helping her to sit down. "Riley, what's wrong? Where does it hurt?"

"Dad… it hurts so much. I feel like I'm going to die," she whimpered, her face pale as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Garrett, alarmed, bent down to scoop her up, ready to rush her to the hospital. But Riley stopped him, her hand weakly gripping his arm. "No, Dad. It's fine now. Just an old issue. I just need to rest for a bit."

Guilt and anger battled on his face. I knew what he was thinking—he blamed me for my mom's death and felt guilty that Riley had been caught up in the aftermath of it all.

But I knew better. Riley wasn't sick. She was faking it.

Yet Garrett fell for it every time. He trusted her completely.

A small part of me couldn't help but wonder what his face would look like when he finally learned the truth.