The ride back from the cemetery was quiet.
Eva had cried herself into silence, her hand gripping mine tightly in the back seat. Aunt Mira kept her eyes on the road, sunglasses hiding more than just sunlight.
I thought I'd feel some closure standing in front of Celestine Vale's grave.
Instead, I felt hollow.
Because now I knew the truth:
It wasn't an accident.
And worse no one else did.
---
We'd barely stepped into the apartment when the doorbell rang.
Aunt Mira frowned, checked the monitor, and buzzed the door open.
Two men in dull suits walked in.
Police.
"Miss Mira Lee?" the older one asked. "We're here to formally close the investigation into the accident involving Celestine Vale."
Mira stiffened. "Already?"
"It's been six months," the other replied. "We've followed every lead. There was no evidence of foul play. The vehicle's black box confirmed mechanical failure. No signs of tampering."
I stayed silent behind the corner, listening. Eva had gone to her room.
Then…
"Is that the boy?" one of the officers pointed toward me.
Mira hesitated. I stepped out.
"Yes. Elias Vale."
They looked surprised to see me standing.
The older one approached. "Mind if we ask you a few questions, Elias?"
I didn't respond. Just nodded.
"Do you remember anything from the crash? Unusual sounds? Anything your mother might've said before the accident?"
I looked them dead in the eye.
> "It wasn't an accident."
The room went still.
The younger officer raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry?"
"She was threatened. Before the crash. Why can't you guys see it."
They exchanged a glance.
"We appreciate your concern, but no such evidence was reported during the investigation," the senior said.
I took a step forward, voice low and sharp.
> "That's because no one bothered to look. You buried it. Just like you buried her case."
"Kid—"
> "No cameras. No statements. You didn't even check the last calls she made"
"Elias!" Mira cut in, voice cold but firm. "Enough."
I kept my glare fixed on them. "You're dropping the case, right? That's what this is."
"Without new evidence"
> "You didn't want evidence."
"Elias," Mira said again, this time with steel in her voice. "Go to your room."
I hesitated.
Eva peeked out from the hallway, rubbing her eyes. She looked scared.
I swallowed my anger, fists clenched. One last look at the cops, then I turned away.
The case was over.
But the story wasn't.
---
Later that evening, I sat on my bed, staring at the ceiling.
Every part of me burned with frustration.
I knew this script. I'd seen it before truth buried under polite smiles and clean signatures.
Just like what happened to my sister in my past life.
Only this time, I wasn't going to lose.
---
A soft knock broke the silence.
Aunt Mira stepped in.
Behind her was a tall man with silver-streaked hair, round glasses, and a calm expression. But he looks like someone who hasn't slept for a while.
"Elias," Mira said quietly. "This is Director Nolan. He worked with your mom… a lot. He was her friend. And mine."
The man smiled gently. "It's good to see you awake. You look just like her."
I didn't respond. I wasn't in the mood for praise or pity.
But he didn't push. Just sat on the couch beside Mira.
They talked softly, mostly reminiscing about Celestine old roles, tours, scandals, victories. I listened from a distance.
Then Mira stood.
"I've made a decision," she said. "I'm leaving the industry."
Nolan blinked. "You?"
"I have enough saved. I sold off most of my shares. And the property. We'll move soon somewhere quiet. Away from cameras. Away from vultures."
"You're sure?"
"I've already made arrangements."
She looked at me and Eva.
> "I won't let them grow up in the same shadows Celestine died under."
---
That night, I stood by the window, watching the city lights blink like distant spotlights.
I knew Mira meant well.
But hiding wasn't enough.
The truth doesn't disappear just because the world stops looking.
And revenge doesn't wait for permission.
---
[Stage System Update]
New Trait: Silent Lead Activated
> "You're no longer a supporting character in someone else's tragedy."
📜 [Quest Unlocked: Join the Director's Shadows]
> "Not all actors stand in front of the camera. Some control the story from the shadows."
Objective:
In time, earn the trust of Director Nolan and become his assistant. Learn how to observe, manipulate, and rewrite the narratives that shape reality.
Note:
You may hate the stage but sometimes, the only way to expose a script…
is to write your own.
---
They could close the case.
They could sell the house.
They could walk off the stage.
But I wasn't finished.
Not until the truth got its standing ovation.
---