Chapter 3

3

I forced myself out of the memories and used my phone to book the funeral for three days later.

Before I exited the app, I saw a notification about the dashcam’s live feed being disconnected.

I remembered that I had linked my phone to the car’s internal camera system.

Cece was supposed to be at an audition, yet she was alone in the car.

And Vivian had lied, saying the audition was already over.

My hands shook as I opened the app to see the history. I wanted the truth, but I was terrified of it.

What I saw broke me completely.

In the footage, Cece is looking at her mother through the window. Vivian is outside, locking the doors manually.

“Mom, I’m not out yet!” Cece says, sounding confused.

“Why won't the door open? Mom, I’m going to be late for the audition!”

Vivian’s voice is muffled but cold. “You aren't going to the audition.”

“I’ll let you out once the casting is finished.”

Cece starts to cry, banging on the glass.

“Acting has always been Winnie’s dream,” Vivian says through the window.

“Don’t try to compete with her this time.”

“Just be a good girl and stay put.”

Then Vivian turns around and walks away without looking back.

The next twenty minutes are filled with my daughter’s helpless sobbing.

Vivian had taken her phone, so she couldn't call for help.

Then came the sound of the crash. The scream of terror from my little girl.

I couldn't finish the video. I covered my mouth and sobbed until I couldn't make a sound.

Vivian had locked her in that car just so Winnie could get the role.

How could she be so cruel?

I could only imagine how hopeless Cece felt in those final moments.

I called Vivian, shaking with rage.

Before I could speak, she barked at me, “Arthur, did you take my car?”

“Since you picked up Cece, make sure she practices her basics today!”

“Stop spoiling her so much!”

“I’m going to be busy for a few days, so I’m not coming home.”

She saw the car was gone and just assumed I had driven it away.

“Vivian! You absolute monster,” I hissed.

“You locked our daughter in a car just for some other man’s kid!”

“You killed her!”

Everything I had been holding back exploded. Thinking of Cece’s fear, I wanted to tear Vivian apart.

Vivian sounded a bit startled, her voice flickering with a hint of guilt.

“I just wanted her to stay there for a little bit. I was going to let her out after the audition.”

“How could I possibly have killed her? Stop being dramatic.”

I was shaking so hard I could barely hold the phone.

Before I could say another word, I heard a man’s voice on her end.

“Penny, do you think Winnie looks better in this dress or that one?”

“Cece is dead, and you’re out shopping with another man!” I screamed.

Vivian got annoyed again. “Can you stop with these sick fantasies?”

“Winnie starts filming tomorrow. She needs a wardrobe!”

Then she hung up on me again.

I almost smashed my phone against the wall.