Love Led Me to My Death Under a Heap of Rocks

I watched everything unfold, shaking uncontrollably and crying my eyes out.

"What the hell am I still hoping for?" I wondered bitterly. "I'm such an idiot for thinking he'd regret it when he heard I died. So the love we once shared is long gone."

I first laid eyes on Yosef, looking like some kind of golden boy, in the mountains. Dust and rocks were flying everywhere.

Looking up, dirty and disheveled, I caught his attention. He stood there, backlit by the light, and said, "A girl interested in rocks? That's rare."

From there, we grew close, fell in love, and got married. He admired my decisiveness, bravery, sincerity, and purity of heart. And he promised to support my career and protect me from any hardships.

That all fell apart when Rosalie showed up. Yosef cleared every obstacle from her path, orchestrating her every move.

Our relationship became strained with constant arguments. He justified his actions by saying he was redeeming his younger self. He felt a lifelong debt to her, claiming it was his duty.

Rosalie constantly played games, trying to set Yosef against me. She'd say things like, "Yosef, Layla spends more time with rocks than with you. You're always waiting at home, and she just keeps ignoring you.

If she really loved you, why wouldn't she want to have your kids after being married for so long?"

Yosef used to respect my choices, but now he was forcing me to quit my job and get pregnant. He'd lose it, yelling I was selfish, fake, and money-hungry.

I refused to give in and chose to distance myself from the city's chaos to focus on my career. Yosef partied with Rosalie all the time.

Now that I was dead, I felt kind of relieved.

Rosalie rubbed her eyes. Yosef soothingly rubbed her back, asking, "Tired?"

Yosef checked his phone for messages but found nothing about me.

"Layla's just causing drama. It's been so long, and she still hasn't shown up," Yosef grumbled.

Rosalie, playing all sweet, said, "You don't need to go this far, Yosef. I'm happy as long as you're with me. I can look after myself if needed."

Yosef felt all bad for Rosalie being so tough and nice. Anyway, it made him hate me even more.

"Rosalie, you get some sleep. I'm gonna drag that bitch back here. I'll make her serve you on her knees," he declared.

Then he stormed out and drove off fast.

A geological survey often lasted a while, so it was common to set up makeshift shelters near the site.

Yosef slammed the shelter's door open, frowning.

"What the fuck? It stinks in here. Where's Layla? Get her ass out here!" Yosef yelled.

Mark hesitated, looking down, too scared to speak. His eyes occasionally glanced at the body on the wooden table, while the bodyguards around him looked tense.

My body was a mess, all bloody on the table with a sheet just tossed over it.

Looking at the white sheet, Yosef scoffed, "This Layla's idea too? She thinks she can fool me by pretending to be dead?

Layla, you've got some nerve. Looks like you have a death wish, huh?"

He walked over to my body, cursing under his breath, and kicked it harshly onto the floor.

It hit the floor with a thud, fluttering to the side.

Tears streamed down my face involuntarily. It felt like I was back in that cramped, dark space before my death, completely desperate.

Yosef paused, his expression one of shock and confusion.

My body had turned stiff and cold, the skin a horrific bluish-black, with dark, clotted blood all over.

The lower half was wrecked, just mush and broken bones sticking out all weird.

The forehead was split open by the impact, a bloody gash laid bare. The eyes remained wide open, a lifeless stare.

After a few seconds, Yosef regained his composure and sneered at the crowd. He swept his icy gaze over everyone.

He spat, "She thinks this fake corpse can fool me? Fucking joke!

What did Layla promise you to make you all betray me and join her in this deception? You..."

Mark, dripping with sweat, broke in, "M-Mr. Gibson, this is your wife..."

Before Mark could finish, Yosef kicked him to the ground and snapped, "You backstabbing prick! Are you teamed up with Layla to fool me? And now you're defending that bitch, huh?

What has Layla promised you? I treat you like gold and you pull this crap? If you don't follow my orders, get the fuck out, now.

Someone, get this crap out of here and burn it. It's gross. And tell Layla, playing her games is useless!"

Mark crumpled to the ground, howling in pain. Nobody else dared speak up. Two bodyguards quickly moved to carry my body away.

I couldn't believe Yosef wouldn't buy I was dead, even with my corpse right there.

Sitting down, Yosef glared at everyone, barking, "I'm out of patience. This is your last chance. Tell me where Layla is, or you're all getting buried."

Clutching his stomach, Mark struggled to his feet, his expression shifting. After a moment of hesitation, he decided to speak the truth.

"Mr. Gibson, your wife's dead. That was her body. We're not lying to you. If you don't believe it, go check at the hospital. Let's at least bury Mrs. Gibson properly," he said.

Yosef glared him down, then smirked. "Someone! Dig a hole and bury him!"

The two bodyguards hesitated but began to drag Mark out. Mark, white as a sheet, decided to let it all out, "Yosef, you psycho! This is murder! You left your wife to die, and now you want to destroy her body. You're just a fucking beast..."

Yosef's face turned even darker, his eyes icy with rage.

The bodyguards quickly pulled Mark away as his shouts grew fainter.

Bob, a guard, saw his chance to suck up. "Mark's talking crap, Mr. Gibson. Don't let him get to you. Layla's always been cunning. She probably escaped, and we don't know where she is. But we'll find her, whatever it takes."

Yosef's severe look softened slightly. "At least you've got brains. Go grab her, now!"