4

##Chapter 4

Richard hurried back only in the early morning of the next day.

"I'm sorry, Jessie, I was too busy yesterday. I shouldn't have left you alone. I'm free today, let me make it up to you," Richard said as he leaned in to kiss me.

However, I saw the red scratch marks beneath his collar. It looked like a silent boast from Susan.

I pushed him away. "No need. You haven't slept all night. Go get some rest."

Now, even a second of Richard's touch made me feel sick.

Yet excitement sparkled in Richard's eyes. "We detected unusual magnetic field fluctuations near a cliff, which might prove the existence of parallel universes. If we can really detect it, I think I can request a substantial amount of funding from the investors. Then, I could shift my focus from work to life and spend more time with you."

It was the timeship my colleague had sent to pick me up. I hadn't expected Richard's team to detect it.

Richard's phone rang. Susan's frail voice came through. "Richard, why did you leave? Didn't you say you'd accompany me to the hospital for a check-up?"

Richard went into the study with his phone.

When he came out, he said. "To better monitor the data fluctuations, my team and I might need to stay near the cliff for a few days. Jessie, take care of yourself during this time."

Unexpectedly, Richard was heading to the very place I was planning to board the timeship.

But I wouldn't let him discover anything.

So, I told him. "Go ahead. Good luck."

Richard kissed my forehead, then went back to his room to pack his things and leave.

In the following days, Richard sent me pictures from the mountain.

"Jessie, it's beautiful here, and the air is so fresh. Next time, let’s camp here together!"

Meanwhile, Susan also shared many photos with me.

They were pictures of her and Richard making love in various places—in a tent, beside a tree trunk, and by a stream...

However, they couldn’t stir anything in me.

Over these days, I quietly sorted out everything that belonged to me.

A fire consumed all our past—our wedding photos, dresses Richard gave me, scrapbooks, and some small gifts. All turned to ashes.

From the photos Richard and Jessie sent me, I knew they were near Moonview Bluff.

Fortunately, they hadn't approached it yet.

But to avoid any troubles, I covered myself thoroughly and arrived near Moonview Bluff on the day the timeship was due.

However, I got lost. Instead of heading to the base of the cliff, I ended up at its edge.

As I pondered how to get down, a voice came from behind. "Jessie?"

I turned around and saw Susan.

I was surprised she recognized me. Susan sneered, "Who else would come all this way looking for Richard?"

Just then, I heard Richard's voice. "Susan, who are you talking to?"

Suddenly, Susan grabbed me. "Help! Richard! This person wants to assault me! My belly... It hurts so much!"

My figure was slender and tall. Now, with my face covered up, it was hard to tell my gender.

Richard rushed over and kicked me in the stomach.

He then smashed the camera in his hand against my forehead.

Blood immediately flowed down my forehead.

The great inertia sent me sliding off the cliff edge.

Luckily, I grabbed onto a branch.

Richard held Susan tightly in his arms and coldly looked down at me. "You dare touch my woman and child. You're dead!"

At that moment, my watch vibrated.

At 00:00, the timeship arrived.

I managed to say. "I'm hanging off the cliff edge."

"That’s a unique way to board. No worries. The special boarding protection system is activated. Just jump," my colleague said.

Though I spoke softly and briefly, Richard still heard.

His expression changed from anger to panic.

He pushed Susan aside and stared intently at me. "Who are you? Take off your mask. Did you hear? Take off your mask!"

His voice carried fear.

I raised my other hand and pulled away the fabric covering my face.