Revenge is best served cold (Jane and Jeremiah novel Chapter 1885

The day my mom passed away, she lay in bed by herself, her wrists covered in knife wounds. It was her first attempt at suicide, and she couldn't find the artery. Each cut was deep, yet missed the life-giving vein. I looked at those bone-deep wounds, then at her pale face. She smiled at me and said, "Reece, Mom’s leaving now. From here on out, it’s just you and Dad. You can’t leave him. You’ve got to take care of him for me. Without me, you’re the one he loves most in this world."

That was the last time I cried that hard.

Mom wanted to leave this world to stop Dad from carrying out the Tredgold family's century-old mission. She knew it was a terrifying research project that put all of humanity at risk. The Tredgolds were exploiting human nature to accomplish their dreadful and selfish 'grand plan.' But instead of waking up his conscience, Mom's death plunged Dad into endless madness. He took over The Silent Shadows to fulfill the Tredgold ambition and prove himself after years of feeling weak. It was his only chance to marry my mom openly. But she ended her life, shattering all his dreams.

That night, both Dad and I cried for what seemed like forever. Since then, I haven’t seen him shed another tear. The two of us have been climbing up a thorny road, never willing to stop. Neither of us dares to look back at how far we’ve come. We’ve climbed halfway up the mountain, maybe even higher, with an abyss below us. Any hesitation could mean our doom.

Once my true identity was revealed, I put on a brave face, showing no signs of distress as I looked at Sophie. It was like I was telling her, "I've always been this way, deceiving you all along." For the first time, I saw confusion, shock, and disbelief in her eyes. My heart was torn apart, but I had to accept it. It was my decision, and I had to bear the pain that came with it.

I left Sophie a letter, a message for her future self. I believe the world will still turn. The Silent Shadows' plot won’t succeed. I carefully tucked the letter into an envelope, knowing that by the time it's opened, I’ll be long gone. Having chosen my father, I was ready to face life or death with him in the final showdown. It was a promise I made to my mom and my obsession over the years.

Because of Sophie, I loved this world. But I loved my father more. I think if we win, I’ll just keep existing, numb. If we lose, I hope my friends find happiness and peace in the days to come. I hope for the latter. I trust Sophie won’t let me down. She always finds a way out because she loves this world and herself.

Before my end, I fulfilled my last wish. Even for just a second, I want to be your ally again. Even if I become a guiding light, I hope to light up a path for you in the darkness.

Goodbye, my friend. Goodbye, the other me in this world.