Love Burned to Ashes

Soon, it was the anniversary of Cathy's death.

Samantha was ready to disappear for good. She had already thrown away every gift Connor had ever given her. Even the photos they had taken together—all of them were tossed into the trash. There was nothing left in the apartment that belonged to her.

Now, all that was left was to wait for the show to begin.

"Samantha," Connor said hesitantly, "I just got an email. Someone claims to have a lead about the fire three years ago. They want us to go to the site."

"Let's go." Samantha didn't hesitate.

"Alright," he nodded. "I'll have the driver get the car."

He took her hand, holding it tightly.

Her fingers were ice-cold today. His palms were warm, yet no matter how tightly he held her, they never warmed up.

The site of the fire had long since become a ruin—an abandoned building, still bearing the blackened marks of smoke on its walls. Inside, it was choked with dust.

"Don't worry, Connor," one of his friends had told him during a conversation Samantha had overheard. "We've already set up the timed incendiary. You just need to lure her in and lock the door from the outside. Once it starts burning, she won't be able to get out. Based on the last fire, wait fifteen minutes, then go in and save her. She won't die—maybe just a few burns. But when she sees you coming through the flames, she'll be so grateful and start crying."

Samantha had heard it all. And she was ready to let "Samantha" be buried in this fire for good.

"Samantha."

Connor's hand trembled slightly. He looked at her delicate face—so lovely, so distant. Something in him hesitated.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Nothing." He lowered his head. Then, as if he thought about something, he looked up again and said, out of nowhere, "Samantha, will you marry me?"

Samantha let out a sudden laugh and pointed at the decaying building. "Are you proposing to me here?"

"You're right. I didn't think it through."

Inside, Samantha played dumb. "Did the person who emailed you say what time they'd be here?"

Connor glanced at his watch and pressed his lips together. "No. Samantha, I left my phone in the car. I'll go grab it. Can you wait here for a moment?"

"Sure."

He turned to leave.

Just before the door shut, even though she'd prepared herself for everything, Samantha felt something deep in her chest twist sharply.

She smiled and called out to him, "Connor, will you always love me?"

His hand froze on the doorknob. He turned to look at her—this woman who had stood by his side for three years.

She was so trusting. After all his deceit and revenge, she still believed in him.

His throat tightened. He lowered his gaze, unable to meet her eyes. "I will," he said softly.

"Alright," she smiled. "I'll wait for you."

The door closed. His hands shook violently as he locked it.

With a heavy click, the lock fell into place—shutting the door on Samantha's life.

She had to admit, they had timed it perfectly. Flames were already licking their way into the building.

She ran deeper inside, quickly arranging the body her uncle had prepared in advance. Everything was set.

Then she jumped from a second-floor window.

Before getting into the car her uncle had parked nearby, she turned once to glance at the building now fully consumed by fire.

And silently, in her heart, she said, 'So long, Connor. I hope your heart will remain stone-cold forever. Even when you learn the truth—don't mourn for me.'