Love Me After I’m Gone

As Zara thought back on one of the rare happy memories, her usually icy expression softened with a faint smile.

"It was just a stuffed toy," she said lightly. "It's not like I can't afford one. Don't get so hung up on it. Come take a look at the gift I got you."

She snapped her fingers.

A moment later, several people walked in carrying a massive trophy made of solid gold and set it down in front of me.

"Here's to you winning the championship again next season. And about the ring… I'm sorry. Think of this trophy as my apology."

The people around us stared at it with wide, dazzled eyes.

But my reaction was flat.

"Put it in the collection room."

Zara looked surprised that I didn't seem happy.

"You stayed with me because you wanted things like this, didn't you? That trophy alone could buy a whole house. Why are you still upset?"

I looked up at her suddenly, disappointment spreading through me.

So in her eyes, the only reason I stayed with her was money. No wonder the gifts she gave me kept getting more expensive.

If she had paid even a little attention, she would've noticed something: I had never used a single thing she had given me.

Some people might like living in luxury.

But all I ever wanted was the person I loved beside me.

Zara waited for a long time, clearly expecting an answer she would like.

When none came, she stomped her foot in frustration and stormed out.

She left with Charles.

Neither of them came back that night.

That night, Charles kept sending me photos and videos. Every message was another attempt to show off, another little jab meant to provoke me.

I simply turned my phone to silent. I slept better than I had in a long time.

Early the next morning, Zara sent me an address and told me to meet her there.

She hadn't come home all night.

For once, I hadn't gone looking for her. She was probably furious.

I knew this meeting wouldn't be pleasant, but I also knew it would be the last time. After this, I would finally be free.

So I didn't waste time. I grabbed a ride and headed over.

The location she picked was remote, far from the city noise.

When I arrived, she wasn't there.

I had just taken out my phone to call her when Charles appeared with a group of men dressed in black.

"Don't bother calling," he said with a smile. "I'm the one who asked you here."

I raised an eyebrow, already sensing something was wrong. "What are you trying to do?"

Charles smiled faintly. "It's not just the starting position on the team I want. I want your position. I wanna be the captain."

"Zara will give it to you."

Zara loved Charles so much that she would probably pull the stars out of the sky if he asked. If he wanted my title, he didn't need to drop the act and threaten me like this.

I suddenly felt that this was pointless and turned to leave.

But the men in black moved quickly, blocking every way out.

Charles sighed. "But Joseph… If you don't retire, I won't feel comfortable sitting in your position even if I get it."

The men shoved me to the ground, and a wooden bat came down hard on my right hand. Pain exploded through my arm.

Gritting my teeth, I glared up at him. "Are you insane? If you ruin my hand, how are you going to explain that to Zara?"

He stepped forward and planted his foot directly on my shattered bones.

"She won't believe you. Besides, once your hand is useless, your only value disappears. What makes you think she'd still keep you around?"

He waved a hand.

"Keep going."

The men focused entirely on my hand. Blow after blow came down.

I didn't know how long it lasted. Eventually, the pain turned numb.

Only then did the men scatter and leave.

In front of me, Charles suddenly rolled across the dirt, covering himself in dust. He bit open a hidden blood capsule and spat blood all over his clothes.

Not long after he finished, the distant roar of a helicopter filled the air.

The helicopter circled once before landing nearby.

Zara jumped out and ran toward me. When she saw my right hand soaked in blood, a tear slipped from the corner of her eye.

"Who did this? Does it hurt? I'm taking you to the hospital right now!"

She started to help me up.

But Charles suddenly crawled to her feet, his voice weak.

"Zara… It's my fault. Those men were after me. Joseph got hurt trying to save me. You need to take him to the hospital first. Forget about my internal injuries. Even if I die here today, I have to make sure Joseph’s hand is saved. He still needs it to win championships!"