Dust to Dust

Five years after my death, my doctor husband, Sauron, demanded once again that I take the fall for a medical malpractice suit involving his first love. He burst into my old apartment, clutching a forged agreement, only to find a house thick with dust. In a panic, he grabbed the corner store owner downstairs, questioning my whereabouts.

The owner, however, told him: Chloe Finch? She died five years ago. I heard the family from that malpractice suit, driven by grief, ambushed her in an alley one night and stabbed her over a dozen times.

My husband refused to believe it, convinced the owner had been paid to lie for me. He raised an eyebrow, a cold sneer on his face. So, just because I suspended her for two years, shes throwing a tantrum now?!

Tell her, if she doesnt show up in three days, Im stopping her sisters cancer treatment payments!

With that, he cursed and slammed the door behind him. The owner watched his retreating back, shaking his head with a sigh: What sister? Her sister died years ago, unable to afford treatment

In the hallway, the deadbolt clacked as a key turned. I floated on the ceiling, watching Sauron burst into my old apartment, clutching the forged agreement. He covered his nose, fanning away the dust, his hurried footsteps echoing on the floor. Chloe Finch, get out here! Eleanors about to lose her license, and youre still hiding?

I chuckled to myself, a bitter sound. After that medical malpractice incident five years ago, Sauron and I had lost touch. I never imagined his next visit would be to demand I take the blame for Eleanors new medical error. I couldn't help but marvel at how deeply connected he and Eleanor still were.

Sauron walked through the rooms twice, his gaze sweeping over the dusty sofa and the cobweb-strung window. His mouth twisted into an even sharper sneer. What are you trying to do, disappear? Where could someone like you, fired from the hospital, possibly hide?

Eleanor just texted that the police have started their investigation. You want her to go to jail, dont you?

Ill give you ten seconds. Get out here now!

I watched his impatient face, thinking, Five years, and hes still so entitled. But no matter how many sets of ten seconds he gave me, I wouldnt obediently appear before him like I used to.

Because I was dead.

Chloe Finch! Do you hear me? Why are you being so difficult about helping me out?! He suddenly turned and kicked the bedroom door, which groaned dully. But it remained empty. Sauron impatiently tched, then searched the rest of the apartment fruitlessly. He finally realized there truly was no one there. He muttered to himself, gritting his teeth, and slammed the door shut.

The convenience store door downstairs was yanked open. Sauron grabbed the owner, who was scanning items. Have you seen Chloe Finch? The one on the third floor.

The owner paused, wiping oil from his hands. Chloe Finch? She died five years ago.

I saw Sauron falter, then sneer. Who are you trying to scare? How could someone like her die?

No, really. The owner pointed toward the alley entrance. Five years ago, the family from that medical malpractice suit ambushed her in the alley and stabbed her over a dozen times. She died on the way to the hospital. Who are you to her?

The overly fluent answer made a flicker of surprise cross Saurons eyes. His brows furrowed, and his expression showed a hint of pain that I didnt understand. But then, his attention was drawn by a message on his phoneit was from Eleanor:

Forget it, Sauron. Im sure Chloe still resents me and will make excuses. Dont trouble yourself for me, Ill just go to jail. Without me, you must take care of yourself.

That single message was enough for Sauron to conclude that my death was merely an excuse to refuse them. His fingers trembled as he replied: What right does she have to refuse? I gave her a huge sum of money back then; when I need her, she has to show up!

Dont worry, Ill definitely drag her back to take the blame. I wont let anything happen to you!

The message sent notification popped up. Sauron looked up, glaring at the owner. Dont play this game with me! Shes definitely hiding. Did she pay you?

The owner sighed. Young man, is this something to joke about? It was in the news back then

News reports are always true? Sauron unconsciously raised his voice. He took a step closer, his eyes full of menace. Tell her, if she doesnt show up in three days, Im stopping her sisters cancer treatment payments!

The owner opened his mouth, about to say something, but Sauron sharply waved him off. Dont waste my time! Either she comes out, or she waits to claim her sisters body!

With that, Sauron turned and left. The convenience store door slammed shut with a bang. The owner watched his retreating back, shaking his head, and sighed to the empty air: What sister? Her sister died years ago, unable to afford treatment

I floated nearby, looking at the water bottle kicked aside on the ground. My soul felt as if it were soaked in that icy liquid. That money never reached my hands. When my sister lay in her hospital bed, waiting for money to save her life, Eleanor was using it to buy imported medical equipment. And when I was stabbed and left to die in that alley, he was accompanying Eleanor at a medical seminar. Now, he was threatening a long-dead person, in the name of another long-dead person.

My soul seemed trapped beside Sauron, forced to follow him home. The moment he pushed open the door, Eleanor rushed to meet him, her face alight with anticipation. Sauron, well? Did you find Chloe Finch?

Sauron shook his head, his expression a little dazed. No And, they said Chloe Finch is dead?

Dead?! Eleanors eyes widened abruptly. She stumbled back half a step, her hand instinctively grabbing Saurons arm. How is that possible? Is she is she deliberately hiding from us, making that up to fool you?

Sauron frowned, saying nothing. Seeing his expression, Eleanor quickly forced a bitter smile. It must be! Chloe must still resent what happened five years ago and doesnt want to help me, so she made up such a lie.

Sauron, how about we just drop it? Dont trouble her anymore. At worst, Ill just turn myself in

Sauron was silent for a while, finally nodding. Youre right, she must be hiding.

But this cant just be dropped. Even if I have to dig three feet deep, I will find her and get you exonerated!

Eleanors eyes reddened with emotion, her voice choked. Sauron, youre so good to me

However Sauron suddenly cut her off, a hint of hesitation in his voice. Chloe Finch can come up with such an excuse; it seems shes genuinely furious.

Eleanor, this is the last time. Once she takes the fall for you and gets out of jail, lets end things.

I stood by, so shocked I almost forgot I was dead. Sauron actually suggested breaking up with Eleanor? I remembered how he had fought with me fiercely for this woman, turning our world upside down. We had been married for less than a year when Eleanor returned to the country, even specifically transferring to our hospital. From then on, the two of them carried on an open affair right under my nose. If I so much as questioned it, hed accuse me of being narrow-minded and paranoid. Yet now, he was actually proposing to end the relationship?

Sauron didnt notice the stiff expression on Eleanors face. He turned his head away, his voice softer. I need to return to my family, eventually. I did give her money last time, but these past few years, Ive truly neglected her.

Honestly, deep down I feel quite guilty.

Eleanor looked at him in disbelief. Sauron are you leaving me?

I dont know, Sauron evaded her gaze, his brow furrowing even deeper. Ever since I left Chloes apartment, Ive felt a constant unease, like something terrible is about to happen. He paused, his voice firming up again. But I will definitely help you with this! I wont stand by and watch you go to jail. Im going to find her now. You wait for me.

With that, he turned and left, his back conveying a sense of determination and finality. Eleanor remained still. But when she looked at him, her pitiful expression was completely gone. I clearly saw her eyes, like venom-tipped blades, sinister and vicious. And the name she ground out through gritted teeth was mine.

Sauron was desperate to find me, so the first place he thought of was my sister. I followed his car straight to the city hospital. This road was all too familiar to me, for before, my life had been a straight line between the hospital and home. So many years, never changing.

I watched Sauron press the accelerator to the floor, his brow remaining furrowed since he got in the car. It was clear he was still fretting over Eleanors situation. He didnt even bother to properly park the car, rushing into the inpatient ward and grabbing a nurse at the station. Can you check the room number for Hazel Finch?

Oh, okay. The nurse responded blankly, then began to search through records. Unexpectedly, a cold sneer suddenly echoed from nearby. Well, well, if it isnt Dr. Sauron, himself? What brings you to our humble little place?

Sauron turned, his face instantly darkening. It was Dr. Thorne, a chief physician who used to be in the same department as him. As far as I knew, the two had been at odds for a long time. But later, for some unknown reason, after my medical malpractice incident, Thorne had also resigned and left. Now, enemies meeting, their eyes were red with animosity. Sauron scrutinized him, responding testily, Where I am? Whats it to you?

Thorne crossed his arms, a mocking smile on his lips. Its nothing to me, truly. Just curious, how can you be so cold-blooded?

You didnt come when they were critically ill, but now that theyre gone, you suddenly decide to look for them?

Critically ill? Sauron frowned deeply. Who was critically ill?

Sauron looked completely bewildered, as if he didnt understand. But I knew Thorne was talking about my sister and me. Back then, I was stabbed multiple times in the alley, already on the verge of death in the ambulance. They called Sauron, hoping he, as family, would come to see me one last time. But he was with Eleanor, not wanting to disturb their private time, so he hung up without even answering. When they called again later, his number was already blacklisted. My sister, too. Back then, Hazel was given a critical condition notice because she couldnt afford treatment. When I tried to contact him, he was enjoying a carefree trip with Eleanor. As a result, my sister passed away utterly alone, with no one by her side.

Watching Saurons bewildered expression, Thorne stared for a few seconds, then suddenly scoffed. Youre quite the actor. Never mind, I truly dont know whats so good about you, to be worth so much to her. Thorne didnt say much more, leaving only that cryptic remark before returning to his office.

Sauron stood there, his fingers slowly, unconsciously clenching into fists. This was a small gesture he made when he was nervous or afraid. But what was he afraid of?

Dr. Sauron? The nurses voice pulled him back to reality. The patient youre looking for She hesitated, then continued, Hazel Finch, she passed away three years ago.

Saurons pupils constricted sharply at those words. He stood frozen, as if nailed to the spot. What did you say? Hazel Finch is dead? Three years ago?

The nurse nodded timidly. The system recorded it as spring, three years ago, advanced lung cancer with complications

Impossible! This is impossible! Sauron suddenly lost control, banging on the nurses station, drawing stares from surrounding patients. But he quickly forced himself to calm down. As a fellow medical professional, he knew the hospitals archive system couldnt be wrong, let alone tampered with. He gripped the nurses wrist tightly, his voice trembling. How could this happen? Isnt your oncology department the best here? How could she die? And He suddenly remembered something, his face growing even paler. And, I deposit money into that card every month. Eleanor just told me last week that Hazel was doing very well, all her indicators were improving

The nurse winced at his tight grip but quickly pulled up the system records. Dr. Sauron, that bank card was unlinked three years ago. And according to the medical records, the patients condition was consistently very grim, never improving.

During the patients hospitalization, most of the time she used affordable alternative medications. Because a lady came several times, saying she wanted to save money, and swapped out the imported medications prescribed by the doctor.

Later, she even completely stopped all medical payments

Every word from the nurse was like a knife, savagely twisting in my heart. That venomous woman, Eleanor! She knew that was Hazels life-saving money, yet she still had the gall to take it!

Sauron, upon hearing the nurses words, also began to tremble. Of course, he knew who did it. After all, besides Eleanor, no one would be so audacious as to touch his money. I imagine he also recalled the condition I made five years ago when I took the fall for Eleanorto take good care of my sister. At the time, he had promised faithfully, but the result

Sauron clutched his head, crouching down, his shoulders shaking violently. How could she she promised me she would take good care of Hazel!

How could she do this

I watched Sauron in his shattered state, feeling not an ounce of sympathy. If not for his indulgence and tacit approval, how would Eleanor have dared to do such a thing? Ultimately, they were two of a kind.

Suddenly, Sauron stood up abruptly, a flash of ruthlessness in his eyes. He pulled out his phone, his fingers trembling so much he could barely dial the number. Detective Miller, I need you to find someone for me. I vaguely heard a man on the other end of the phone ask who he was looking for. Sauron spoke calmly, Chloe Finch. Find out where she is now; I need to see her immediately.

Chloe Finch? Is there a new breakthrough in Miss Eleanors case, and you need to find her urgently?

No. Saurons hand gripped the steering wheel tighter. After a long pause, he finally whispered, I just want to apologize to her

The car suddenly shot forward, tires screeching against the asphalt. I floated in the passenger seat, watching Saurons tense profile. Sunlight streamed through the car window onto his face, revealing fine lines at the corners of his eyes. So, after five years, no one remained unchanged. But he didnt know that the person he wished to apologize to had died in a pool of blood in an alley five years ago on a rainy night. What he owed me, what he owed Hazel, could never be repaid in this lifetime.

Returning from the hospital, Sauron practically broke into the house. Eleanor, on the sofa, immediately put on her innocent expression when she saw him. Sauron, why are you back? Did you find Chloe Finch?

Sauron completely ignored her question, simply throwing his jacket onto the coffee table. Eleanor, what exactly happened with Hazel Finch?

Eleanors hand, holding a teacup, paused. Her brow furrowed. Hazel? Isnt she fine? I deposit money for her every month.

Fine? Sauron scoffed, pulling out his phone and showing her the death certificate photo the nurse had sent him. She died three years ago! You swapped her medication and unlinked the bank card. Do you dare say you didnt know? The date on the photo was clear. Eleanors face instantly paled. She set down her teacup, wringing her hands as she explained. This Sauron, let me explain. I had no choice at the time!

Research funding was tight then. I thought Id just borrow some, and pay it back once the project progressed

Borrow some? You say it so easily! Sauron took a step closer, his eyes red-rimmed. That was Chloe Finchs only sister! Her only condition for taking the blame for you back then was for us to take good care of Hazel! How could you do this?!

Seeing Sauron truly enraged, Eleanor suddenly dropped to her knees with a thud. I know I was wrong, Sauron! Please forgive me! When I wanted to pay the money back later, I couldnt find anyone I was just confused for a moment!

Watching her feigned remorse, I only felt revulsion. When she was using my scapegoat money to buy imported equipment, I didnt see a shred of guilt in her.

The two remained at an impasse. Eventually, Sauron was the first to sigh, his voice heavy with exhaustion. Forget it, get up. Im also at fault in this; I shouldnt have given you all the money and not supervised Hazels treatment.

Eleanors eyes brightened, thinking he had forgiven her. But just as she was about to speak, Sauron cut her off. When I looked up, I saw a clear look of disappointment in his eyes. Eleanor, Ill help you resolve the medical malpractice issue, but once this is over, were through.

I already owe Chloe Finch too much; I cant wrong her anymore.

Sauron! Eleanor suddenly looked up, her face filled with panic. But Sauron didnt look at her again, turning to leave. As he walked halfway, he suddenly stoppedhis jacket was still on the coffee table. He sighed, turning back. But as he reached the hallway, he heard Eleanors hushed voice from the bedroom, chillingly vicious.

We must find Chloe Finch immediately, and somehow, we have to kill her!