In the distance, a group of people cheered and screamed excitedly at the raging fire, snapping photos like mad.

"The 99th revenge is a success!"

"Our Eddie is finally free from Cecilia Hardin, that lovesick fool!"

"When we go in, I'm going to take so many pictures of her crying and breaking down. I'll post them online for the whole city to see!"

…

The dark red flames illuminated their frenzied faces with eerie clarity.

Edmund listened to their conversation behind the crowd, feeling uneasy for the first time. For some reason, his mind flashed back to Cecilia's expression when they had parted ways.

It was only then that he realized how unusually calm she had been. In the past, she had always been the most excited one during every anniversary.

From choosing the venue to preparing every little detail, she had enthusiastically taken care of everything herself. In fact, Cecilia had alw

Edmund froze, his movements coming to a halt as he stared silently and intently at the frail, lifeless body. He stood there, motionless, like a statue.

In the distance, the rescuers carried Cecilia's body toward Edmund, their steps heavy and solemn. They carefully placed the stretcher in front of him.

"Mr. Stone, please accept our condolences…"

The rain grew heavier, blurring Edmund's vision. He fell to his knees with a thud, and his eyes were bloodshot and swollen. His trembling hands reached out, but he couldn't bring himself to lift the body in front of him.

After several attempts, he finally managed to hold Cecilia's body tightly with the help of the rescuers.

Just hours ago, Cecilia had been sitting in the passenger seat, smiling. Her eyes were bright as she spoke of her feelings for him. 

Yet now, she lay lifeless and silent in his arms. Her cold body temperature seeped into 

Someone said, "Why not, Eddie? Didn't you always want to finish this revenge game quickly? We promise that nothing life-threatening will happen!

"We'll open the door at the last moment before she can't hold on anymore."

Edmund's voice remained cold and firm as he said, "No. It's too risky. She can't get hurt."

Someone on the other end of the line sounded confused. "What's going on, Eddie? I heard today that you left Leena behind and ran after Cecilia! Leena cried all night, and it took you forever to calm her down.

"To keep her from overthinking, you immediately started discussing the 99th revenge plan with us. Why are you saying no now?

"Don't you remember who you really love? Just break up with Cecilia and go back to Leena. Isn't that what you've always wanted?"

Edmund's breathing grew rapid. He wanted to argue back, but just then, Leena's voice suddenly came through the phone.

"Edmund, I heard everything you just said. Now I'm asking you directly—do you agree to use this method to get revenge on Cecilia or not?"

Edmund fell silent.

Leena's voice immediately sounded choked up. "You promised me you'd do anything for me!"

Finally, Edmund hoarsely said, "I agree. I'll do whatever you say."

Leena's tears turned to laughter, and his friends cheered excitedly. "Great! We can't wait for that day!"

Edmund warned again, "Don't let anything happen to her."

Cecilia stood in the shadows, her heart feeling as if it were being crushed by an invisible hand. The pain was so intense that she could barely breathe.

She then quietly returned to the room, picked up her phone, and sent a message.

…

On the day of their anniversary, Edmund followed the plan and said to Cecilia, "Cece, I've prepared a surprise for you today. Close your eyes, and I'll take you somewhere."

Cecilia looked at him deeply for a long moment. Then, she closed her eyes without resisting. Edmund's lips curved into a faint smile as he tied a silk ribbon over her eyes and led her to the car.

When the car stopped, Edmund helped her out and guided her into the villa. He said in a low voice, "Wait here for a bit. I'll go get the gift and be right back."

Cecilia stood in place, listening as his footsteps gradually faded away. Just as he was about to close the door, she suddenly called out to him.

"Edmund, did you know? I really, really liked you."

His steps halted as her voice drifted over to him.

"I've liked you for a very long time. When you agreed to be with me, I was so happy. I thought that I had finally gotten my wish.

"I couldn't sleep at all that night. I cried so much that my pillow was soaked. Isn't that silly?"

Edmund didn't respond, but his breathing grew slightly uneven.

She continued softly, "Today is our third anniversary, and it's the first time you've prepared a gift for me. I'm really looking forward to it."

Edmund's throat felt dry. It took him a moment to reply in a low voice, "I'll be right back. Wait for me."

The door closed shut.

At that moment, Cecilia removed the silk ribbon from her eyes and immediately noticed the strong smell of gasoline in the air. She smiled, walked to the corner, and dragged out a life-sized dummy she had prepared in advance.

After overhearing the phone call that night, she had custom-made it to match her exact appearance and height. After the fire, everyone would believe that it was her. Then, she placed a voice recorder that had already been set to play a pre-recorded cry for help on the table.

"Edmund, you tricked me 98 times. It's my turn to trick you this time," Cecilia whispered, then pressed play on the recorder.

Soon, the villa echoed with her recorded voice, "Help! Open the door! Edmund, save me!"

She then turned and walked toward the back door, leaving the villa without giving it a second glance. She hailed a cab and headed straight for the airport.

In the distance, flames shot into the sky, illuminating the night.

In the distance, a group of people cheered and screamed excitedly at the raging fire, snapping photos like mad.

"The 99th revenge is a success!"

"Our Eddie is finally free from Cecilia Hardin, that lovesick fool!"

"When we go in, I'm going to take so many pictures of her crying and breaking down. I'll post them online for the whole city to see!"

…

The dark red flames illuminated their frenzied faces with eerie clarity.

Edmund listened to their conversation behind the crowd, feeling uneasy for the first time. For some reason, his mind flashed back to Cecilia's expression when they had parted ways.

It was only then that he realized how unusually calm she had been. In the past, she had always been the most excited one during every anniversary.

From choosing the venue to preparing every little detail, she had enthusiastically taken care of everything herself. In fact, Cecilia had always organized the entire anniversary celebration. Edmund had never needed to lift a finger.

Natural

Chapter 8