ManyWriters

As the clock struck twelve on my birthday, Elion Lennon's call came through, his tone filled with an eerie determination.
"Vernia Keller, happy birthday. Let's end our lives today and make your parents sorry for everything!"
"They're the ones who won't accept our relationship," he added, his words piercing my heart.
Clouded by affection and hopelessness, I couldn't say no. I hurried to his home, my chest pounding with a mixture of anxiety and loyalty.
As we stood together, he began counting down. At three, I leaped, only to hear his mocking laughter behind me.
Elion remained where he was, his phone pointed at me, recording the moment with cruel accuracy.
"Look at this idiot," he mocked, his laughter empty and harsh. "I told Vernia to jump, and she actually did it!"
The following day, my mother, her voice shattered with sorrow, phoned him. She implored him to come to my funeral.
Without any guilt, he answered coldly, "I'm occupied. I'm obtaining my marriage certificate with my fiancée today."
When I awakened in this new existence, Elion was at my doorstep, tears flowing down his face as he begged.
"Die with you? Why would I squander my second chance on someone so pitiful? You're so destitute; all you have left is your dignity. Meanwhile, I have billions in inheritance waiting for me."
Elion stood motionless, shock etched on his face before anger distorted his features. "Vernia, you sorceress! You never cared for me!"
"You're correct. My love for you is gone. But my desire to see you suffer? That's very much alive."

The Birthday When Love Turned Fatal

"Our group of five just needs to coexist harmoniously. That's the most crucial thing."


I lifted my smartphone and captured several images of him.


"I'll forward these to Mr. Adams. Let's see if he's cognizant of your threat to sever ties with my family's enterprise."


Elion leaped up, lunging to grab the phone from my grasp.


"Don't send those! It'll be the end of me if you do!"


I held the device out of reach, feigning typing.


"I must send it. I can't allow my family's business to collapse because of your actions."


His face contorted with fear, and in a last-ditch effort, he fell to his knees.


"Vernia, I implore you! I'll even prostrate myself! Have mercy. It was a struggle to find someone willing to invest in me. Losing her would be my downfall!"


I glanced at Vesper, who was tapping on her phone. She displayed her screen with a mischievous smile.


[Let's toy with him a bit more. No need to hurry.]


Chapter 8