'No. Ethan, I don't want to wait for you. I don't want to see you again.'
As my consciousness slipped away, Ethan asked me one last question, his voice trembling with fragile hope.
"Claire, will you say my name one more time? Will you tell me once more that you love me?"
He waited a long time, but I never answered.
Wind swept through the Caldwell estate, carrying countless rose petals down until they settled silently over my white dress.
Then I died.
I saw my father, my mother, and Owen waiting in the distance, smiling as they reached for me.
Tears filled my eyes as I ran to them and threw myself into my father's arms.
They took my hands and led me away.
Behind me, I faintly heard someone crying and begging me to stay.
I looked back once.
I saw Ethan at 16, pinned to the ground
