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To avoid being accused of having no alibi, I took a route covered by security cameras. Then I stopped by the bar, ordered a drink, and headed to the lounge.
I took off my jacket and hung it on a hook. I adjusted a lamp to make it look like someone was sleeping at the desk.
To ensure my plan would work well, I also asked the cleaner, Maggie, to sit by the door stringing bracelets for me.
Once that was set, I put on a wig and changed my clothes, completely altering my appearance.
Then I climbed out the window.
Iris loved instruments. She collected all kinds of it. After I started my business, I set aside a whole room for her gear.
Every Sunday, Iris would come to tinker with her instruments. I would visit her. We enjoyed the cozy Sunday night in sweet melodies together.
Last life was the same—except I was rushed before the gig and only dropped off her medicine.
Before I knew it, I was near the equipment room.
I took a shortcut and got there before Eli and Ingrid. But time was tight. I couldn't relax.
Like last time, the equipment room was dark. I turned on my phone's flashlight and called Iris as I walked in.
But the room was dead silent. What I saw made my heart sink.
Iris was face down, motionless, a heavy stage amplifier crushing her back.
I covered my mouth. My whole body went cold.
My first instinct was to call the police. But I quickly dismissed it.
Iris died on my property. I was at the scene. And Ingrid and Eli would definitely blame me for murder again.
No—not maybe. Definitely.
Worried about leaving prints, I didn't touch Iris. Scanning the area carefully, I confirmed she'd clearly been dead for over two hours.
Two hours ago was right when we first got to the studio.
Who killed Iris?
Trembling, I took photos with my phone. Grief and terror clawed at me, but I forced myself to leave.
Once I was sure no one had seen me, I climbed back into the lounge.
I collapsed into a chair. It took a while to pull myself out of the whirlpool of fear and sadness. When I finally calmed down, I realized something important.
Ingrid had probably known Iris was dead. That was why she was so desperate to send me for Iris's medicine.
But was it really possible that Ingrid killed Iris?
We all arrived at the studio at the same time. No one left early.
Who on earth killed Iris? And who wanted to frame me?
My head was about to explode. My thoughts were a tangled mess.
Just then, noise erupted outside the door. The door flew open.
“Luna, you murderer! Give us back our daughter!”
“Our sweet Iris treated you with nothing but love! How could you be so evil! How could you do this!”
My heart dropped. I checked the time—5 PM sharp.
But last time, they didn't storm in until around 5:30. Why were they half an hour early this time?
Did Ingrid and Eli skip the equipment room and go straight to tell Iris's parents she was dead?
