Chapter 9: The Lie That Finally Cracked

The police didn't leave after finding my notebook.

The lead investigator placed another folder on the table.

"There's something else your family needs to know."

My father looked up. "What is it?"

"We reviewed the emergency calls and location data from the day your daughter disappeared."

My mother's face went pale.

"Whitney's phone was active for nearly four hours after the rest of your family left Wild Valley."

Flynn's eyes widened. "She was still there?"

"Yes."

My mother covered her mouth.

"Then why didn't we find her?"

The officer looked at her carefully.

"Because no one reported her missing."

Silence filled the room.

My father lowered his head.

The truth was impossible to escape now.

They had gone home believing I was throwing another tantrum.

No one had called the police.

No one had organized a search.

No one had even gone back for me.

The officer continued, "We also found footprints near the ravine. There were two sets leading away from the campsite."

My mother immediately looked at Scarlett.

Scarlett's body stiffened.

"What does that mean?" she asked.

"It means Whitney wasn't alone when she left the campsite."

My father's eyes narrowed.

"Who was the other person?"

"We're still investigating."

Scarlett suddenly stood up.

"I don't feel well."

She tried to walk away.

The officer stopped her.

"Miss Scarlett, we'd like to ask you a few questions."

"Why me?"

"Because according to the other members of your family, you were the last person who spoke to Whitney before she disappeared."

Scarlett's face drained of color.

My mother immediately stepped forward.

"She's pregnant. Can't you question her another time?"

The officer's expression remained firm.

"We can arrange for a medical professional to be present."

Scarlett looked at my mother with frightened eyes.

"Mom..."

My mother hesitated.

For years, she would have done anything to protect Scarlett.

But now, something had changed.

"Tell them what happened," she whispered.

Scarlett stared at her in disbelief.

"You don't believe me?"

"I want the truth."

Scarlett's eyes filled with tears.

"I already told you the truth! Whitney was jealous of me. She pushed me into the water, and when I confronted her, she ran away."

The officer opened the folder.

"Then explain this."

He placed a photograph on the table.

It showed the campsite from a different angle.

In the corner of the image, Scarlett could be seen standing behind me.

Her hand was gripping my backpack.

My mother stared at the photograph.

"You said Whitney attacked you first."

Scarlett couldn't answer.

My father slowly stood up.

"Scarlett... what did you do?"

"Nothing!" she screamed.

"I swear, I didn't do anything!"

But her panic had already said more than her words ever could.

The officer closed the folder.

"We'll continue this conversation at the station."

As Scarlett was escorted outside, my mother remained frozen in place.

She looked toward the empty hallway where I used to walk.

"Whitney..." she whispered.

This time, there was no anger in her voice.

Only regret.

But regret had come too late.

I had waited for their love while I was alive.

Now that I was dead, they finally wanted to give it to me.