Chapter 2 A Message From The Dead And The Decision

BELLA POV

Over the past few days, I have been receiving one anonymous email after another. I had no idea where they were coming from.

I also received access to my brother's cloud account. And what was even more disturbing was that I found a scheduled email that had been sent before his death.

I didn't know if it was just a coincidence or if it was connected to his death.

But there was only one thing I was certain of.

Someone murdered my brother.

During our last few phone calls, I had already noticed how anxious he seemed, as if he were hiding something. I often tried to joke around with him,hoping he would finally tell me, but he never did.

Another thing that strengthened my suspicion that something unusual had happened at the university was the email I found.

"If something happens to me, don't do stupid things that might hurt you or put your life in danger."

I had barely gotten any sleep, but I didn't care. What I was doing for my brother was far more important.

I needed answers.

My brother's scheduled email remained open on my laptop screen.

I read it over and over again.

I couldn't imagine how much Adrian had suffered at that university.

Every word carried pain and weighed heavily on my heart.

“If you're reading this, I know I am already dead."

“If I could tell you everything, I would have. I didn't want you to get involved."

Those words haunted me.

After I finished reading it, I couldn't stop myself from crying. My brother loves me so much that even until his death, he carried his problems alone just so I wouldn't get involved. Until the very end, my well-being was still what he cared about. That's why it hurts me even more, because I wasn't able to do anything for him. Even in the final moments of his life, I was still the one he was thinking about.

I couldn't stop thinking about what had happened to my brother.

He didn't even stand a chance.

My eyes drifted to a photo of the two of us. It was my eighteenth birthday, and he was twenty-two.

We were both smiling.

We were both happy.

Completely unaware of what the future would bring.

What others say is true, it’s frightening to be happy because sadness always seems to follow.

If only I had known that his life would end so soon, I never would have studied abroad. I should have stayed here so we could have spent more time together.

There are so many what-ifs in my mind, but I know they'll never have answers because the person who could answer them is no longer here.

Three knocks pulled me back to reality, and I saw my aunt walk in carrying a tray of food.

"Come eat first."

"I'm not hungry yet," I replied.

She let out a sigh. "You haven't had a proper meal, Bella."

"I'm okay, Aunt." I said.

"You don't have to pretend in front of me."

I remained silent, so she sat beside me.

"You've been looking at those files nonstop. The police have already finished their investigation."

"They barely investigated," I said.

"You're grieving."

"I'm thinking clearly," I insisted.

"No." Her voice softened. "You're looking for someone to blame."

I stood up and looked at her. "You're wrong, Aunt. I'm looking for the truth."

"You sound exactly like Adrian." I saw both sadness and fear in her eyes.

"What?" I asked.

"He wouldn't stop digging either.

"What do you mean?" My face was filled with confusion.

She immediately looked uncomfortable. "It's nothing. Just forget what I said."

"Aunt Victoria." I called her.

"It's not important, Bella." 

"If it has something to do with my brother, then I need to know." My voice was firm.

I could see the hesitation on her face.

But she knew me.

I wouldn't stop until she told me.

"A few months ago, Adrian called me. And he sounded worried."

"Worried about what?"

"He wouldn't tell me, no matter how many times I asked."

"Why did he call you? What did he say?"

She lowered her head. "He told me that if anything bad ever happened to him, I had to make sure you wouldn't get involved."

He tried to shield and protect me until the very end.

I smiled as tears streamed down my face.

"That only gives me more reason to keep going," I whispered.

"W-What do you mean?" I looked straight at Aunt Victoria.

"I've already made my decision. And that is to enroll at Northbridge University."

After hearing what I said, she couldn't respond right away. Worry and fear on her face were unmistakable. I know my brother entrusted me to her, but there was nothing she could do about my decision.

"Bella, think carefully about this. I think you're just overwhelmed by what happened, especially to your brother."

I let out a sigh before looking at her directly. "My decision isn't going to change Aunt. I've already talked to my parents about this. I know you're only worried about me, but I can take care of myself."

"I know you can. But please think about your brother. He tried so hard to keep you away from danger," she insisted.

"If I have to step into the world he lived in to find the answers that have been haunting my mind, then I'll do it. I know you'll be disappointed in me. But I am doing this not only for my brother but also for myself and my parents," I said.

She could only shake her head. She knew that no matter what she did, she wouldn't be able to stop me.

She walked over to me. "Take care of yourself. Your brother would never want anything bad to happen to you. And think about your parents. You're all they have left. They won't be able to bear it if they lose you too."

I nodded and smiled at her.

Later that night, I received another phone call from an unknown number.

When I answered, I heard a voice speaking in almost a whisper.

“Stay away from Northbridge."

Then the call ended.