Years ago…
Brett was buried in paperwork at his desk when he received a text from his step sister. He glanced at his phone and saw Olive’s message.
[“Brother. I’m scared.”]
He furrowed his brows as he picked up his phone and replied.
[“Why? Are you seriously scared of ghosts now?”]
Olive responded immediately. [“I think I saw something I shouldn’t have. Brother, I’m scared. Can you come pick me up?”]
Brett couldn't understand why his married sister was asking him to take her home.
“What kind of joke is this?” he thought. “I can't believe she's still reaching out to me after getting married.”
Brett had always harbored secret feelings for his step sister. It was natural given that they weren't blood-related. But when Olive married Lanceil, Brett knew he had to let go of those feelings and keep his distance from her.
That’s why he made himself busy in work.
After a long time, Olive sent him a weird text message.
[“I will only finish some paperwork.”] Brett replied. [“Then I will pick you up from your house. Make sure you tell this to your husband. Even if I am your brother, that brat still gets jealous. Geez.”]
After replying, Brett placed his phone down and continued his work.
It’s been hour since he texted his sister.
Finally finished at work, Brett stretched his arms while murmuring, “Finally!”
That was the only time he remembered about his sister. Thus, he checked his phone but received no reply.
“Why is she not replying? Is she sulking?”
He tapped his fingers on the table. Then he got his phone back and tried to call her.
.
‘Ding. The number you’re calling is out of reach. Please call again.’
Lines appeared on his forehead as he waited. No matter how occupied Olive was, she always answered his calls.
He tried calling her once more, but the outcome was unchanged. Feeling uneasy about the situation, Brett got up and grabbed his car keys.
Brett pulled up in front of Lanceil and Olive's residence. He opened the gate without rushing, but hesitated to enter the house even though he knew the passcode.
"Olive!" he called out, rapping on the door. "It's me, your handsome brother!"
...
No response.
He glanced through the window and saw that all the lights were off.
Why?
Why would she leave the lights off?
"Olive!"
Brett continued pounding on the door with his fists, but there was no indication that Olive was aware of his presence.
Not certain what's going on, the color drained from his face. It's instinct. A feeling deep inside him made him think his sister might be in danger.
He placed his hand on the doorknob and turned it.
Click.
His eyes widened.
The door wasn't locked!
"Why is this...?"
Slowly, he opened the door and stepped into the dimly lit room. As he moved forward, he could feel his heart pounding in his chest.
Brett is usually a calm person. But tonight, he couldn't help but feel anxious as he approached his sister's closed door.
'She'll be okay. My sister will be okay.'
He repeated these words in his mind as he reached the door.
"Olive?" he called.
“...”
His hand made contact with the doorknob. Slowly, he pushed the door open, feeling the cold air brush against his skin in the narrow space between the wall and the door.
“Oliv…”
His feet dangled in the air.
Looking up, he saw his sister suspended from the ceiling, a rope tightly wound around her neck.
Brett collapsed to the ground, his eyes fixed on the horrifying sight of his lifeless sister.
Ring... Ring... Ring...
Brett jolted awake from his recurring nightmare.
He couldn't believe he had dozed off while waiting for Vincent's report on the hidden door in the Callix mansion. And to make matters worse, he had dreamt about his deceased sister once again.
Cold sweat trickled down his forehead. Taking a deep breath, he reached for the bottle of calming pills he kept hidden in his cabinet, his hands trembling uncontrollably.
With some effort, he managed to open the bottle, causing a few pills to spill out due to his shaky hands. He took one and swallowed it, then leaned on the table, clutching his phone tightly.
It always like this.
Whenever the memory of his sister clinging to the ceiling crossed his mind, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. His entire body trembled and his temperature spiked.
Despite that, he made an effort to pick up the phone when it rang.
He was surprised to hear that Vincent actually found out the code. However, before he could hear more, the call suddenly ended.
Brett tried to call him again but he’s out of reach.
“Sh*t!”
Brett didn't bother calling him repeatedly. He pushed open the door abruptly. Just as the door swung open, Adam was blocking his path.
"Where are you headed?" Adam asked.
"The hidden door has been unlocked," Brett replied.
"What?!" Adam exclaimed.
"I'm leaving. I need to find out the truth behind all this mess," Brett stated firmly, then dashed off.
"Wait! I'm coming with you!" Adam yelled as he chased after Brett.