Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace

Back then, before fate had dealt its harshest cards, my parents were still with me, and I had not yet found my way to the Fitzgerald household or transferred to a new school. By the time I had enrolled at the institution once graced by Dexter’s presence, he had long since tossed his graduation cap into the air and moved on.

Dexter approached our former teacher Mrs. Thompson, his arms carrying a thoughtful gift.

A look of contentment swept across Mrs. Thompson’s face. “I’m touched that all of you could. make it.” she said warmly.

Melody clung to Dexter’s arm relentlessly through the gathering.

Despite Dexter’s stoic facade, Melody radiated with a smile that was pure joy and contentment. Whether by the passing of months or by Melody’s own design, her pregnancy was now unmistakably evident. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Throughout the event, neither Dexter nor Melody spared a glance in Caleb’s and my direction.

Caleb caught my gaze lingering on Dexter and took my hand, his grip tightening gradually. An inexplicable fear washed over me; Caleb’s possessiveness could be as intimidating as the fiercest storm. It felt as if he was branding me with a label that screamed ‘mine‘, much like Dexter was to me before.

“Dexter, I’m sure you’ve crossed paths with Caleb before. Today, Foebe dragged someone here to act a part, insisting he’s Caleb, so I want you to decide if he’s the real deal or a fraud,” a classmate approached Dexter, attempting to strike up a conversation.

Only then did Dexter turn to look at Caleb and me.

I frowned, my face a defensive mask as I watched Dexter’s gaze coolly sweep over me before. he reclaimed his arm from Melody. “I’ve never met Caleb.”

I scoffed, my eyes on Melody. “Mr. Fitzgerald, is this lady your fiancée?”

Dexter remained silent, offering no answer.

Melody, on the other hand, was quick to respond, her voice tinged with anxiety. “Yes, we’ve already had our wedding ceremony.”

I feigned understanding. “Your name is Phoebe?”

Melody’s complexion shifted, her eyes flickering with panic. “What are you talking about…?”

I let out a cold laugh. “Perhaps I’m mistaken, but I heard that Dexter’s mother had already arranged an engagement for him, and the fiancée’s name was Phoebe?”

Dexter’s frown deepened as he looked at me, as if blaming me for stirring trouble, but I insisted on disturbing their facade. “Mr. Fitzgerald, where is that Phoebe, your fiancée?”

1038

Dexter’s eyes bore into me with a palpable threat.

Caleb glanced down at me it wasn’t my imagination – he was actually smiling. And there was a hint of indulgence in it.

I felt something was off, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was.

“Foebe, why are you talking nonsense?” Coraline, eager to curry favor with Dexter, interjected, recalling that Dexter had once shown disdain for Phoebe. “Everyone in Sea City knows that Phoebe was just Mr. Fitzgerald’s sister, and she was the victim of a serial murderer.

Coraline’s words trailed off as Dexter’s glare turned deadly.

Coraline, oblivious, continued to flatter Melody. “Besides, Phoebe had a terrible reputation; the murderer must have been after her for a while.”

“What’s your name?” Dexter’s voice was a low growl.

Coraline, mistaking Dexter’s question for interest, replied with a smile. “I’m Coraline, from the Larson family.”

“Do the Larsons wish to vanish from Sea City?” Dexter’s aura was unnervingly intimidating.

“Ha, it’s so wonderful you guys could come, really. Please, take your seats,” James, the class president, hurried to diffuse the tension, stepping in front of Dexter. “Coraline can be tactless. please forgive her.”

After a stern look at Coraline, James added, “Phoebe was a good girl.”

It seemed like he knew the old me, speaking up on my behalf genuinely. Yet, I couldn’t remember any connection with the people from the orphanage.

Instinctively, I turned to look at Caleb, whose gaze was fixed on James, intense as if trying to bore a hole right through him.