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Eli's angry voice snapped me back to the present.
As he walked by, he knocked my drumstick out of my hand, then tenderly helped Ingrid up.
“Luna, apologize to Ingrid. Now.”
I almost laughed.
“You were in the bathroom. You didn't see anything. Why assume it's me pushing her down?”
Eli smirked. “It's obvious. You're the spoiled rich girl with a nasty temper. Ingrid's sweet and kind. She'd never start trouble.”
I felt a bitter smile twist my lips. There it was again—the same old script.
Ingrid and I are twins, but she got lost when we were two.
Our family found her again when we were fifteen. Ever since, everyone's been bending over backward to make her happy.
Including Eli, who grew up with me, doting on her like she was royalty.
I wasn't jealous. I actually tried to be a good sister, taking care of Ingrid.
But at some point, everyone forgot about me. Only Ingrid mattered. In their eyes, if she cried, it could be only because I was being jealous and mean.
It hurt. But I never complained.
Now that I've died once, I get it—they'll always choose her. Fine. I don't need them anymore.
I picked up my drumstick and kept practicing.
But Eli just couldn't leave me alone.
After hearing Ingrid's story, Eli turned to me with a hard look. “You're taking this medicine to Iris. Now.”
In my last life, I never wondered why Ingrid was so insistent I go, or why she said those things that made me look guilty.
Was it possible… Ingrid had something to do with Iris's death?
A chill ran down my spine.
I glanced at Ingrid. Her eyes were darting around, nervous, fixed on the door—like she was afraid of something outside.
Then I remembered—I'd texted Iris a few minutes ago. No reply.
Was it possible something had already happened to her?
And Ingrid was sending me away so I'd be the last one to see Iris, which would create an alibi for herself?
But the autopsy report never came out in my last life. I died before the time of death was ever confirmed.
I pushed down my panic and threw the inhaler right in Eli's face.
“You're the one who should go. Iris's your fiancée. This is a perfect chance for you two staying together. You should be thanking me.”
Eli froze. He looked at Ingrid, whose eyes instantly welled up with tears at my words.
In my last life, I'd been too focused on drumming to notice the vibe between them.
Were they already together? Did they plan Iris's murder together?
The thought made me snap. I swung my drumstick hard—hitting Eli right in the eye.
“I'm practicing. Anyone else bothers me, I'm not holding back.”
Eli hissed in pain, face dark with anger. He wanted to hit me but held back. He'd known me since we were kids. He knew how scary I could get when I was furious.
Ingrid was shocked too. She didn't dare talk back, just bit her lip and cried.
Eli saw her tears and forgot his own pain, making silly faces to cheer her up.
Disgusted, I turned away and focused on my drums.
Soon, Ingrid was laughing again. Before long, the two were back to flirting like they'd completely forgotten about the medicine.
Worried about Iris, I spoke up. “Eli, what kind of fiancé are you? Shouldn't you bring Iris the medicine? Fine, I'll call Iris and tell her you blew her off.”
“No!” Ingrid's voice was sharp.
Almost instantly, she snatched my phone away.
“Luna, let's not bother her. I'll bring it. I'll go for Eli.”
Her face was pale. She rushed out, frantic, not looking weak at all anymore. She disappeared down the hall in seconds.
Eli shot me a glare and hurried after her.
Now I was almost sure—something had happened to Iris!
