During the funeral, a crow landed on the girl’s coffin. A second later, everyone present was STRUCK SPEECHLESS…

“Good…” she nodded, turning and heading for the door without looking back. “I’ll be watching you. Remember that.” The click of her heels faded as the door closed.

Silence enveloped the office. Emily collapsed into her chair, covering her face with her hands. Her body trembled like a leaf, her thoughts racing like frightened birds.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Anxiety and panic swelled within her. “Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!” she whispered, hiding her face.

She sank into her chair, her legs no longer supporting her. Her temples throbbed, her throat tightened as if a noose had been pulled taut. Everything that had happened minutes ago felt like a dream.

A heavy, unpleasant dream she couldn’t wake from. “She came here. She stood in this office. She threatened me…” Her breathing grew uneven. Her chest heaved.

With trembling fingers, she unbuttoned her shirt’s top button to breathe deeper, but it didn’t help. “Calm down. Everything’s fine. It’s under control…” she whispered, trying to quell the panic.

But it was a lie. Nothing was under control. “He’s married…” The realization tore her apart.

Her Matthew, the man she thought was her salvation, was married. The pain of betrayal spread through her like poison, tainting every thought. Then, a knock at the door.

Emily froze, her gaze darting to the entrance. “Who’s there?” she asked hoarsely, trying to sit up straight. The door cracked open, and there he was—Matthew.

His confident stride, slightly raised chin, and easy expression were painfully familiar. His tailored suit, perfectly pressed, underscored his status and self-assurance. “Emily, are you okay?” He looked at her with mild concern, then, without waiting for a reply, walked to a side table with a water pitcher.

He poured a glass and handed it to her. “Here, drink.” She stared at him but didn’t move. “Come on,” he said gently, holding the glass out.

She slowly took it and sipped, the cool water burning her throat. “I’m fine,” she said faintly, setting the glass on the desk. Her gaze dropped to hide the tears welling up.

Matthew frowned, leaning against the desk. “You sure? You look…” He studied her closely. “Like something happened.” Emily clenched her fingers to stop the trembling.

“It’s fine…” she forced out, avoiding his eyes. “Emily, I know you,” he said, leaning closer to meet her gaze. “Something’s wrong. Tell me.”

She looked up, their eyes locking. Her lips pressed into a thin line. “Matthew, are you married?” Her voice was soft, but each word cut the air like a blade.

His face froze. For a moment, shock flickered in his eyes, but he quickly composed himself. “Yes…” he said slowly, holding her gaze…