Chapter 1

They say that after death, souls go where they're supposed to go.

Mine didn't.

I remained in the wind, hovering over Lake Michigan, watching uniformed people fish my remains from the lake water—arms, legs, torso, like piecing together a disgusting puzzle. The entire crime scene reeked of blood.

They called in Philip.

My husband, a Chicago Police detective, walked into the crime scene with a furrowed brow.

I hovered, observing Philip as he earnestly inquired into the details of the case, my heart a tempest of mixed emotions.

Even in death, I had once again become his burden.

As I observed his grim expression while he scrutinized my shattered body, an indescribable chill washed over me.

Philip, this is the last time I'll cause you trouble.

Medical examiner Alton was crouched beside my body conducting a preliminary examination. Philip approached him: "Any discoveries about the victim's identity? Has the time of death been determined?"

"The victim is a woman in her thirties," Alton looked up at him, "dead for at least 48 hours. DNA testing will take two days for results. But one thing is certain—" he paused, "the victim suffered extreme torture before death. All limbs were severed deliberately."

The scene fell silent.

Several young officers turned pale, someone couldn't help but whisper: "How disgusting."

Another person shook his head: "Poor child, God knows what she went through."

Philip angrily clapped his hands: "I'm going to find out who did this and make them pay!"

Philip's uncle Joe approached, looking at Philip with sympathy. Joe was also a police captain at the precinct, and had been taking care of Philip since his parents died.

"Phil," Joe said softly, "weren't you supposed to celebrate your wedding anniversary with Evelyn today? Looks like you're going to miss it."

At the mention of me, Philip's face immediately darkened: "Don't mention her. She only brings trouble. I'm definitely not going to indulge her tantrums. I'm going to Sophia's birthday party."

I felt a pang of sorrow as I observed his expression of disgust. Ever since the miscarriage and my father's death, Philip has hated me to the core. He blamed everything on me and emotionally abandoned me completely.

I remembered how Philip met psychologist Sophia. It was during a case when Philip was deeply attracted to Sophia's professionalism and gentleness, considering her a kindred spirit.

And I, naturally, became the "extra person."

Even until the last moment of my life, Philip was still thinking about attending Sophia's birthday party.

If he knew the body lying on the ground was mine, he would probably walk away without hesitation. No one wanted me to disappear more than he did. After I'm gone, he's probably happy.

Joe obviously couldn't stand Philip's attitude.

He punched Philip in the chest: "How can you say that? Evelyn is a good girl. She worries you don't like her, so she quietly brings you lunch every day. Open your eyes, you ungrateful bastard!"

Philip scoffed: "I don't care. Come on, Uncle Joe, let's not talk about her anymore."

He turned to his partner Gary: "Any missing person reports?"

The young detective checked the records: "No missing person reports in this area for the past two days."

Philip frowned and complained: "This woman has been missing for several days, how could there be no reports from her family? This doesn't make sense."

At lunchtime, Joe still couldn't let go of his concerns. He started probing again: "Why hasn't Evelyn been bringing you lunch these past few days?"

Philip laughed contemptuously: "She probably can't keep up the act anymore. Just as I thought."

Joe got angry: "Impossible. She's been consistent, rain or shine, never missing a day for years. Something must have happened. You should call and check on her."

Philip said irritably: "Don't bother, Uncle Joe. This is just another one of her tricks. She called me a few days ago, probably making trouble over nothing. She called me a few days ago, making a scene about me going to Sophia's birthday dinner. I told her to get lost. She's probably sulking at home now."

Just as Joe was about to argue back, Philip's phone rang with a special ringtone. Upon seeing the caller ID, Philip's frown immediately smoothed out, and he spoke in an instantly gentle tone.