Our Story, Rebuilt

tural Genius Ava Hayes: A Match Made in Heaven," one headline read. The pictures were everywhere: Liam, with his charismatic smile, s

dition smart home system and named it "Ava's Sanctuary." "It's a world where you'll always be safe, where everything works for you, my love," he had whispered duri

t. I never felt insecure, though. His love felt like a fortress. My younger sister, Chloe, was more like him. She was a budding pop star, beautiful and fragile,

my home office. Liam came in and wrapped his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my s

smiling. "For all the bo

as you're in it, it

peace. This was my life. This was my future. I was s

house was filled with music industry executives, journalists, and celebrities. I remember feeling a surge of pride a

rden. Finally, I went to the main balcony. And that's when I heard the scream. Not from Chloe, but from

horror and morbid curiosity. I looked down. And I saw her. A small, broken figure in a white dress, lying

I reached for him, but he didn't see me. He just stared down, his face pale, his body trembling. When he finally turned, his eyes we

e a strangled whisper that was louder than

about?" I was confused, my

is face contorting with rage. "You hated that sh

ane, that I couldn't even process it. "

ed and a vengeful stranger took his place. The investigation ruled Chloe's death an accident, a tragic fall. There were no witnesses w

I th

ted. I would catch him sometimes, talking to himself, or rather, to his phone. He would mention a "system" that was helping him, guiding him. A system that c

ld me at the funeral, his voice cold and distant. "Chloe was a light. You were a shadow." He cut me off completely, leaving me utterly alone, trappe