Ashton completely ignored my words as he turned to face Emery. He knocked his knuckles on the table rhythmically as he stated calmly, “Scarlett’s obituary was published two years ago. If you’re trying to get something from me, try not to make such stupid mistakes.”
Emery froze as if Ashton had struck exactly at her weakness.
I was, however, utterly stunned.
I was dead two years ago?
A string of words flashed through my mind. The law states that once a person has been declared missing for four years, their immediate family or spouse can apply for their death certificate.
I lay on that bed for six years, but the obituary was only issued two years ago. The person who wanted to prove that I was dead had given up a long time ago. Once the four years were up, he or she immediately filed for the death certificate.
It was at this very moment that I understood what Marcus had meant. Just take it that Scarlett no longer exists.
My head hurt from the unwelcome revelation. I looked at Ashton. The only people who can apply for a death certificate are my immediate family. Who did the deed? Was it my missing family or this indifferent man in front of me?
I was fairly certain from his expression that Ashton still held out hope for his wife’s survival.
My heart sank inexplicably as I processed the thought. There was an odd sort of ache in my chest.
But now’s not the time for me to be sad.
I regained my composure and stood up before addressing Ashton, “I don’t know what happened in the past, but you can see that I’m clearly alive now. I definitely have the rights and means to raise my own child, so I would like to spend some more time with Gregory.”
I truly believed that I could make up for lost time with my son.
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