The Tower Reversed: Back to 18 (Venus) novel Chapter 26

**One Step Changes Everything**
By Ruby Parker

**Chapter 26: The Ghost Marriage Scam**

A notification pinged on Venus’s phone, drawing her attention to a post that had just gone live. It was a selfie of a girl, radiating joy and enthusiasm, her smile bright enough to light up the dreariest of days.

But as she scrolled down, the comments section erupted like a volcano.

[Whoa, a hundred grand? Can you find out if the ghost is male or female?]

[I’d jump at that! Easy cash, right? What’s the risk?]

[Don’t listen to them! A ghost marriage is a nightmare waiting to happen. What if the ghost becomes obsessed with you?]

[Seriously, stop spreading paranoia. Ghosts aren’t real! Get a grip!]

Venus felt a surge of urgency as her eyes narrowed at the selfie.

The girl’s cheerful demeanor was infectious, her fingers forming a peace sign as if to convey a message of carefree living. Yet, lurking behind her was a man, his form grotesquely twisted and stained with blood, his presence a stark contrast to her joy.

Ghost marriage? No, this was far more sinister. This girl had been ensnared long before the idea of a ghostly union ever crossed her mind.

Without a moment’s delay, Venus typed furiously, sending her a private message. “Get out of your house. Now.”

The girl was online, her response arriving almost instantaneously. “Why?”

Venus’s fingers danced across the screen. “That spirit has been following you. And yes—he has a mole on his left cheek.”

The girl’s reaction was immediate; she froze, the color draining from her face. That detail matched the photograph she had seen on the memorial of the deceased man. Fear gripped her heart, and with a piercing scream, she bolted from her home, adrenaline propelling her forward.

Venus quickly relayed instructions on where to meet and rushed out to find her.

In a nearby park, June Neal sat fidgeting on a weathered bench, her eyes darting nervously around her surroundings as she clutched her phone like a lifeline.

“Hey,” Venus greeted as she approached, her voice steady and reassuring. “I’m the one who messaged you.” She recognized June immediately, her heart aching for the girl’s distress.

June looked up, her complexion ghostly and her expression a mix of confusion and fear. “How did you know he had a mole on his face? Are you related to him? A friend?”

Venus’s gaze swept over June’s forehead, where a shadow loomed—a dark omen.

“Do you even grasp what a ghost marriage truly entails?” Venus probed, her tone serious.

June frowned, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Isn’t it just some sort of simple ceremony?”

June’s voice trembled as she asked, “Y-you said he’s following me. What do you mean by that? Did you actually see him?”

Venus nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of truth. “In the selfie you posted on that forum. He was right behind you, covered in blood, his body mangled. It appears he fell from a great height.”

June’s knees buckled, panic flooding her senses. “You can see him? What should I do? My parents already agreed to this madness. They took the money! The ceremony is tonight! Please, you have to help me! I don’t want to die!”

Venus took a moment to collect her thoughts, then replied, “Your biggest problem isn’t the vengeful spirit—it’s your parents.”

At the mere mention of them, June’s expression fell, hopelessness washing over her. She let out a defeated sigh. “They’ll never return the money. My mom already said she’s using it to help my brother buy a car.”

Venus held her gaze steady, determination shining in her eyes. “Dealing with the vengeful spirit is the easy part. The real challenge is breaking free from that family of parasites.”

“I want to! I dream about escaping every night!” Tears welled up in June’s eyes, threatening to spill over. “But I can’t. I dropped out of school when I was fourteen to work. I earn about three thousand dollars a month, and every cent goes to my parents. I’ve tried running away before, but they always find me and label me ungrateful.”

Venus extended her hand once more, a lifeline in a sea of despair. “If you can muster the courage to sever those ties, I’ll help you.”

June stared at Venus, who looked even younger than her little brother. With trembling lips, she asked, “Can you really help me? You seem so young.”

“Age doesn’t define capability,” Venus replied earnestly, her resolve unwavering. “Trust me.”

For a moment, June was taken aback. Then, with a deep breath, she carefully placed her trembling hand into Venus’s, a flicker of hope igniting in her heart.