Chapter 7
One of Antonio’s friends was puzzled. “Why not? Antonio, you’ve been eager to end the game, right? We promise her life won’t be in danger. We’ll open the door before anything happens.”
Antonio’s voice remained cold and firm. “No. There’s a risk. Nothing can happen to her.”
His friend grew even more confused. “Come on, Antonio. What’s going on? They told me you left with Grace today while leaving Juliet behind. Juliet has been crying all night, and you finally managed to coax her. You don’t want her to overthink, and that’s why you asked us about ideas regarding the 99th time of revenge. Then why are you saying no right now? Have you forgotten who’s the one you really love? Just break up with Grace and get back together with Juliet. This is what you’ve always wanted, isn’t it?”
Antonio’s breathing became rapid as he was about to retort.
Just then, Juliet’s voice rang out. “Antonio, I heard your conversation. Answer me. If I insist on doing this to take revenge on Grace, do you agree or disagree?”
Antonio fell silent.
Juliet said in a broken voice, “You promised me you’d do anything for me, Antonio.”
After a few seconds, he finally said, his voice husky, “Alright. Whatever you say.”
She stopped sobbing and smiled, and his friends were all thrilled. “Great!
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We can’t wait for that day!”
Antonio reminded them repeatedly, “Be careful. Don’t let anything happen.”
Grace stood in the dark, feeling as if someone was gripping her heart so tightly that she couldn’t breathe.
She went back to her room quietly and picked up her phone to send a
message.
On the day of their anniversary, per the plan, Antonio said to Grace, “Grace. I’ve got a surprise for you today. Close your eyes. I’ll take you to a place.”
She stared at him for a long time before closing her eyes without saying anything.
He curled up his lips, covered her eyes with a silk ribbon, and led her to get into the car.
After he stopped the car, he supported her into the villa and said in a low voice. “Wait for me here while I go fetch the gift. I’ll be right back.”
Grace didn’t move, listening to his footsteps fading away.
The second before he closed the door, she suddenly said, “Antonio, do you know?
“I really love you.”
He stopped in his tracks, listening as she continued.
“I’ve loved you for so long. The day you finally agreed to be with me, I was so over the moon. I thought my dream had finally come true, and I didn’t even sleep a wink that night. I was so thrilled that my pillow was
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soaked with my tears. Silly, right?”
He remained silent, his breathing getting rapid.
She continued softly, “Today is our third anniversary, and it’s the first time you’ve got a gift for me. I’m so looking forward to it.”
Antonio felt that his throat was a bit dry. After quite some time, he said, his voice lower than ever, “I’ll be right back. Wait for me.”
Then he closed the door.
Hearing the sound, Grace took off the ribbon. Soon, she smelt the strong odor of gasoline.
She smiled bitterly, walked over to the corner, and dragged out a dummy the same size as her.
After she overheard his conversation with his friends that day on the balcony, she had someone make this according to her height and features. After the fire, everyone would assume it was her.
Grace then placed a recording pen on the table. She had already recorded her cries pleading for help in advance.
“Antonio, you tricked me 98 times. And this time, it’s my turn to trick you.” she said in a soft voice.
Then she pressed the play button of the recording pen.
Soon, her recorded voice echoed in the vast villa. “Help! Open the door! Antonio, help me!”
At the same time, she walked to the back door, left the villa without looking back, and hailed a cab to the airport.
Behind her, the flames lit up the night.
Chapter 8
Somewhere far away from the villa, Antonio’s friends screamed frantically at the flames, taking photos non–stop.
“Yay! We nailed it! We took revenge on her for the 99th time!”
“Finally, Antonio can get rid of that lovestruck fool!”
“After I enter the villa, I’ll take photos of her. I’m sure she’s a mess, crying and all that. Then I’ll post the photos online so that everyone can enjoy
them.”
They kept talking excitedly.
The dark red flames shone on their faces, illuminating their crazy looks. exceptionally clearly.
Antonio was standing behind them. As he listened to their conversation, for the first time, he felt sick.
Somehow, Grace’s face before he left emerged in his mind.
It suddenly dawned on him that she seemed a bit too calm.
She was always the excited one on their first two anniversaries.
She took the initiative to take charge of everything, ranging from deciding on the venue to preparing every little thing needed.
To put it short, she prepared their anniversaries single–handedly.
He never had to do anything.
