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My spouse, who had always indulged me, donned a Santa outfit to entertain his female assistant and elicit her laughter.
He deceived my grandmother into consuming a sleeping aid and confined her in an automobile with the heating on. Sadly, she perished from intoxication.
I phoned him repeatedly, but received no response.
Concurrently, the female assistant's online broadcast attracted thousands of viewers who observed as "Santa" lavishly presented her with 1,001 gifts in a public display of adoration.
The following day, he finally sent me a message: [Darling, I apologize, an urgent task arose and I had to leave for a business trip. I can't be with you for Christmas! I've arranged tonight's citywide fireworks display, wishing you and grandmother a joyous Christmas!]
I remained with my grandmother's remains throughout the night, gazing at the brilliant pyrotechnics outside.
At daybreak, I noticed the assistant post a collection of nine images on social media featuring the two of them observing the aurora borealis. The caption read: [You always recall every small desire of mine. I'll cherish you for eternity!]
My emotions turned completely numb. After laying grandmother to rest, I contacted that enigmatic number.
"Miss Natalie, are you certain you've decided to participate in the classified national experiment? If you join, your identity will be erased and you'll be unable to communicate with the outside world for five years," someone stated.
I answered with calm determination, "I confirm my decision to participate!"
——
As darkness descended, I refrained from illuminating the room, huddling on the couch with grandmother's photograph.
Josh entered, singing a merry tune. The lights flooded the space and he instantly spotted me on the sofa.
He hastened to my side without removing his footwear, his expression filled with worry, "Natalie, why are you resting on the couch in darkness? You might catch cold!"
While speaking, he carried me to the bedroom, enveloping me in blankets and warming my frigid hands and feet against his torso, "Why are your extremities so cold? Are you feeling ill? Should we visit the hospital now?"
I stared intently at the man before me. The concern and affection in his gaze seemed genuine.
However, as he drew nearer, the potent jasmine aroma on him was unmistakable and the love bites on his neck blatantly mocked me.
Noticing my reddened eyes, he gently caressed my hair and softly apologized, "Natalie, are you upset because I wasn't present for Christmas with you and grandmother? I'm sorry, it's my fault for poor planning! I promise, I'll spend every holiday with you both from now on!"
He rose and retrieved two charm bracelets from his bag, presenting them to me like treasures, "I acquired these charm bracelets during my business trip, despite my hectic schedule. This longevity charm is for grandmother, wishing her a long life. This peace charm is for you, my Natalie, wishing you eternal health and happiness!"
But grandmother was gone and she'd never have the opportunity to enjoy a long life again.
"Grandmother didn't visit today? Last time, she awoke in the car and returned home without informing me. I was concerned for a while! Tomorrow, I'll accompany you to visit her and advise her against doing that again!" Hearing him mention grandmother, my heart ached once more.
That day, I was away on business and had requested him to take grandmother for a medical examination.
One moment, grandmother had been as lively as a child, calling to inform me she was healthy and that Josh was taking her shopping.
But the next call came from an unknown person, notifying me that grandmother had died from carbon monoxide poisoning while asleep in the vehicle.
I shakily dialed Josh's number countless times, but received no answer.
The physician stated that grandmother not only had excessive carbon monoxide in her system but also traces of sedatives.
I reviewed the car's dashboard camera footage and witnessed Josh purchasing grandmother a beverage, persuading her to nap before going to the cinema.