Chapter 19

That day, Ben drove me to my studio.

As I got out of the car, Ben said, "Earlene, I will never hurt you again."

I felt that something was abnormal.

But I didn't think much of it.

The next day, I saw the news of Ben's death in the headlines.

He had been drinking.

He returned to our university.

On a bench by the campus lake, he sat, not even knowing what he was thinking.

Security footage showed him seeming to stumble and fall into the lake while trying to pick something up.

On the shore, someone found a ring lying there.

Based on this, a story of heartbreak became clear.

He was holding the ring, reminiscing about his marriage, when he suddenly dropped it. He tried to pick it up, but lost his balance and fell into the lake.

Victoria sent me a celebratory message.

She said he got what he deserved, that God sure is quick to collect from those who betray a true heart.

But some people thought it might have been a suicide.