Part 1The Ghost Husband Returns

Three years after Harvey disappeared, the old house was bought out by developers for a fortune.

Just as I was holding the check, ready to start a new life, he pushed the door open.

He brought a young nurse with him.

She was heavily pregnant, calling me "Sister" in a sickeningly sweet voice.

Harvey pushed his gold-rimmed glasses and ordered me self-righteously:

"Nicole, since you can't have children, you should have some self-awareness."

"Hand over the buyout money for Lola's baby. When the child is born, he can call you Godmother."

"As for you, stay home and serve Lola during her recovery. Consider it atonement for me."

I silently put away the keys to my new BMW and looked at him like he was brain-damaged.

"Harvey, did you lose your brain along with your memory? This house is my pre-marital property. The money has nothing to do with you."

"Also, I already declared you legally dead. I flushed your ashes down the toilet. You are now officially a ghost."

* * *

I was still holding the thermos lunch box I made for Pierce. The heat was still radiating from it.

But Harvey sat on my new Italian leather sofa like he owned the place.

He crossed his legs, patting the armrest with disgust.

"What is this taste? The color is too bright. Tacky. When the money comes, throw all this furniture out. Lola likes French Country style."

The woman named Lola covered her nose and fake-retched.

"Oh, Harvey, is the Feng Shui bad here? My chest feels tight. Will it hurt our little golden nugget?"

Harvey immediately supported her nervously, then glared at me viciously.

"Did you hear that? Open all the windows! If you scare my son, can you afford to pay?"

I sneered and slammed the thermos onto the coffee table.

"Pay? Are you worthy?"

I went into the bedroom, took out a file folder, and threw it in Harvey's face.

"Read it. This is the receipt for your death certificate cancellation. Three years ago, you ran away from gambling debts. Everyone was looking for you."

"As your legal widow, I did my duty and cleaned up your mess."

Harvey picked up the paper, his face turning purple.

He tore the certificate into shreds, confetti raining down.

"Nicole! You toxic woman! Cursing me when I'm not even dead?"

"I just went into hiding for a few years! I did it for this family!"

"And you? Unfaithful! While I was gone, did you hook up with some wild man?"

The more he spoke, the more righteous he felt. He stood up and pointed at my nose.

"Who is this Pierce? The security guard mentioned him. Your boy toy?"

"Fine. Spending my money on a gigolo? Now that I'm back, I'm the head of this house! Hand over the bank card with the buyout money immediately! It will be my startup capital for returning to the family! Otherwise, I'll make you leave with nothing!"

Lola chimed in sarcastically:

"Sister, you're being unreasonable. The man is the sky. No matter what he did outside, as long as he comes back, you should welcome him on your knees."

"Especially since Harvey has an heir now. A hen that can't lay eggs like you should be grateful."

Watching these two sing their duet, I felt disgusted.

And amused.

Three years ago, Harvey sold everything we owned to gamble. He owed loan sharks and ran away overnight.

Debtors splashed paint on my door and threatened me. I sold my jewelry and worked day and night to pay them off.

I took care of his paralyzed father until he died. Harvey never called once.

Now that he heard about the buyout money, he sniffed his way back?

I picked up the cup of hot tea on the table.

"You're right. I should welcome you."

Harvey smiled smugly, thinking I gave in.

"That's right. As long as you obey..."

Splash.

A cup of scalding tea, right in his face.

Tea leaves hung from his glasses. He screamed like a pig.

"Nicole! Are you crazy?!"

I watched him jump around blankly.

"This is a libation for the dead. You're welcome. Also, the deed has only my name on it. My parents left it to me. I signed the buyout agreement alone."

"As for leaving with nothing..."

I took out my phone and dialed 911.

"Hello, police? I want to report a break-in."

"Two unidentified intruders are in my home. The man claims to be my dead husband. The woman is an accomplice."

"Yes, they are trying to rob me and threatening me."

Hearing me call the police, Harvey finally panicked.

He lunged to grab my phone.

"You dare call the cops? I'm your husband!"

I dodged and grabbed the heavy crystal ashtray.

"My husband died three years ago. I flushed his ashes."

"If you touch me now, it's home invasion and assault."

The police arrived quickly.

Two officers looked at the mess and the screaming Harvey.

"ID, please."

Harvey took out his scratched-up ID card.

The officer scanned it. Frowned.

"ID invalid. Status: Deceased."

"Sir, in the system, you are dead."

Harvey was frantic.

"Officer, this woman harmed me! I'm alive! Look, I'm warm!"

The officer looked at him coldly.

"Doesn't matter. Your legal status is revoked. You are a ghost in the system."

"This lady is charging you with trespassing. Come with us."

Lola turned pale, hiding behind Harvey.

"Harvey... this isn't what you said..."

As Harvey was dragged out, he yelled back:

"Nicole! Just you wait! I went on a secret mission abroad to protect you!"

"You'll regret treating me like this!"

I leaned against the door, twirling my BMW keys.

"Goodbye, ghost."