Chapter 60

Victoria didn’t let it go. She sat at the breakfast table like a judge waiting for a confession, hands folded neatly, eyes fixed on me with a patience that felt cruel.

Dan stood near the window, arms crossed, jaw tight. I could feel the pressure from both sides one pushing, one silently begging me not to break under his mother’s stare.

“You said you saw Anna,” Victoria said calmly. “Then show us where she is.”

I shook my head. “I don’t know if she’d want that.”

“That’s not your decision,” Victoria replied. “If she’s alive, this becomes everyone’s concern.” Dan turned to her with an annoyed look, thank god for him. I don’t know what I would do if he didnt stand up for me against him mother.

“Mom, enough.” She didn’t even look at him. “If Emerald is telling the truth, then hiding her helps no one. And if she isn’t—” her eyes flicked to me “—then proving it will give her peace.” My stomach twisted in fear, fear that she might be telling the truth. That Anna real is dead.

“I booked her a place,” I said quietly. “A small BNB near the coast.” Dan’s head snapped toward me. “You did what?”

“She was terrified,” I said defensively. “She didn’t want to be near the mansion.”

Victoria stood up her chair loudly making a noise pushed against the carpet. “Then we can go there, now.”

Dan stepped closer to me, lowering his voice. “You don’t have to do this.”

“I know.”

“Emerald,” he said gently, “whether she’s there or not won’t change how I feel about you.” I looked at him. All I saw was the care, sincerity and also a bit of concern. He shouldnt be concerned if he believes me.

“I need to show you,” I whispered. “Even if no one else believes me.” The drive felt longer than it should have. Victoria sat in the back, silent, watching the road like she already knew the outcome.

Dan drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting on my knee, grounding me.

“You’re shaking,” he murmured.

“I’m fine,” I lied. The BNB was quiet when we arrived. Too quiet. White walls, neat hedges, the kind of place people went to disappear without making noise.

My heart pounded as I got out of the car.

“She’s in room six,” I said, already walking.

Victoria followed without hesitation. Dan stayed half a step behind me. I knocked but no one answered I knocked again, harder.

“Anna?” My voice echoed uselessly. Dan tried the handle, it was locked. We went to the front desk. A young woman looked up from her computer, polite smile ready.

“Can I help you?”

“Yes,” I said quickly. “We’re looking for a guest—Anna. She checked in yesterday. Room six.” The receptionist frowned, typing rapidly. “I don’t have anyone by that name.”

“That’s impossible,” I said. “I booked it.”

“May I see your ID?” I handed it over with shaking fingers.

She searched again. “I see a booking under your name. It was one guest who checked in alone.”

“No,” I said. “She was with me.”

The receptionist shook her head moving her hand on the mouse accessing the camera.  “Ma’am, the cameras show you arriving by yourself.” My ears rang. “That’s not true.”

She turned the screen slightly. There I was walking in alone, signing papers. Taking the key, I felt sick.

Dan swallowed hard. “Can we see the footage?” She nodded, replaying it. I watched myself smile. Laugh softly. Turn as if responding to someone who wasn’t there.

My knees nearly buckled. Victoria’s voice was calm, almost kind. “Do you see now?”

“No,” I whispered. “This is wrong.”

“No luggage,” the receptionist continued apologetically. “No second person entering or exiting. No record of her at all.”

I stumbled back, shaking my head.

“She was real.” Dan caught my arm. “Emerald.”

“I know what I saw.” Victoria rested a hand on my shoulder. “You saw a spirit.”

I shoved her hand away. “Stop saying that.” Before anyone could respond, a familiar, unwanted voice cut through the lobby.

“Well, isn’t this cozy.” I turned.

My stepmother stood near the door, arms crossed, perfectly dressed as always. My stepsister hovered beside her, eyes glittering with curiosity.

“Emerald,” my stepsister said sweetly. “Imagine running into you here.”

My blood boiled. “Why are you here?” She shrugged. “Just happened to drive by and saw the car, thought we’d walk in and say hi.”

Dan stiffened.  “I hate you,” I said bitterly. “I really do.”

My stepmother smiled thinly. “Thats unfortunate, but this is an act of love and care.”

“By stalking me?”

“Oh please, you know the real reason.” my stepsister scoffed. “We just wanted to see if the rumors were true.”

“What rumors?” Dan asked sharply.

“That Emerald’s been talking to dead people,” she said, eyes flicking to Victoria.

They have been listening to us the whole time last night, I need to get rid of them before they cause me any further troubles.

“Seems like she’s not the only one who believes it.” I felt the room closing in. “Get out.”

Victoria turned to them coldly. “This doesn’t concern you.”

“Oh, I think it does,” my stepmother said. “Especially if she’s losing her grip. Inheritances have a way of becoming… flexible.”

Dan stepped forward. “Leave. Now.”

They exchanged a look, then backed off slowly, smug smiles intact. When they were gone, the silence crashed down hard.

“I didn’t imagine her,” I said hoarsely. “I didn’t.” Dan pulled me into his chest. “I know you believe that.”

“That’s not the same as believing me.”

Victoria watched us closely. “Some spirits erase their tracks.”

I looked up at her, anger and fear twisting together. “Then why show themselves at all?”

Her gaze sharpened. “Because they want something.” A chill ran down my spine hearing Victoria’s words because deep down I know it has something to do with the baby i’m carrying.