Chapter 1

The refund for the wedding venue hit Liam's account.

He tugged at his tie, clearly annoyed.

Then, a text from him popped up on my phone.

"Skylar, what's with the drama? The hotel said you canceled?"

I didn't reply. Another text immediately followed.

"Stop messing around. I'm sorry, okay?"

But Liam, I wasn't messing around.

The dead can't marry the living.

Liam pushed the door open, his face etched with fatigue. He paused, startled, when he saw me by the dining table.

"Have you eaten? I kept calling, but you didn't pick up."

I calmly stood, taking his coat.

"Sorry, Skylar. Iris just finished her IV. The doctor had to make rounds before I could leave."

He looked at me with an apologetic gaze, dark circles prominent under his bloodshot, exhausted eyes.

"Is Iris doing better? I wanted to go see her."

Iris is my older sister, my blood sister.

He shook his head. "Same as always."

Then he glanced at me warily.

"The doctor said not to let her get agitated."

I nodded. I understood. I wouldn't go then.

As usual, he showered, then reached out, ready to pull me into his arms for sleep.

I pretended to be asleep, offering no response.

Liam sighed softly, not pushing it.

A long while later, I opened my eyes.

I walked back to the living room.

Liam probably didn't know, but Iris's favorite designer perfume, even after his shower,

couldn't hide her scent.