CHAPTER 1: THE CRACK IN THE CELEBRATION
The grand ballroom shimmered under crystal chandeliers, filled with elegant guests, soft music, and the illusion of perfection.
Until the boy stepped forward.
He looked out of place in every way—worn clothes, trembling hands, but eyes that refused to look away.
At first, the room dismissed him.
“Take him out,” an older man ordered sharply. “This is nonsense. He’s just a child.”
But the boy didn’t move. Neither did his gaze.
“You don’t understand,” he said quietly. “This isn’t a mistake. You’ve all been lied to.”
A ripple of unease spread through the crowd.
Then the screen behind the stage flickered on.
No one touched it. No one controlled it.
And suddenly, a car crash filled the wall of light.
A wrecked vehicle. Rain pouring. A familiar face lying motionless beside the road.
Gasps echoed through the hall.
“That’s impossible…” someone whispered. “He died years ago.”
May you like
The boy shook his head.
“No. He didn’t.”
