The Wife Who Jumped on New Year's Eve

Chapter 26

The wind howled violently at the cliff's edge, and the sky loomed dark and oppressive, as if ready to collapse.

Joanna Taylor swayed precariously at the cliff's edge, teetering on the brink of a deadly fall.

Ryan Bennett and Sean Yates arrived almost simultaneously, their hearts seizing at the harrowing sight before them.

"Joanna!" Sean's voice was laced with terror and desperation.

Joanna shook her head weakly. "Sean, stay back! It's too dangerous!"

Nearby, Crystal Lynn stood with disheveled hair, her eyes burning with madness and resolve. Watching the scene unfold, she suddenly let out a shrill, chilling laugh.

"Hah! You're finally here."

"What a touching display of devotion."

"Why does Joanna deserve everything? She has it all—does she even deserve it?"

Ryan clenched his fists, suppressing the fury boiling inside him. "Crystal, let her go. We can talk about anything you want."

"Money, freedom, leaving the country—name your price. It's yours."

Crystal's gaze turned icy, her lips curling into a cold smile. "I don't want any of that. I just want to play a game."

"Ryan, only one of you gets to live today—you or Joanna."

With that, she pulled a dagger from her bag and flung it at his feet.

"Well, Ryan Bennett, the great heir of the Bennett family—you claim to love her, don't you? Then die for her."

Ryan didn't hesitate. His eyes locked onto Joanna, memorizing every detail of her face as if imprinting it into his soul.

Then, in one swift motion, he grabbed the dagger and plunged it into his abdomen.

A sickening thud echoed as the blade sank deep. Blood gushed from the wound, staining his clothes crimson and dripping steadily from his fingers.

"Ryan!" Sean gasped, stunned by the sudden act of sacrifice.

Joanna's eyes widened in horror, tears streaking through the dirt on her face. "Ryan, have you lost your mind?! Why would you do this?!"

Crystal stood frozen, her mouth agape, disbelief etched across her face.

"You... you actually..."

Ryan's face was deathly pale, but his gaze remained unshaken. Gritting his teeth against the agony, he spoke in a weak yet firm voice.

"Crystal... let Joanna go."

"I made one mistake... I won't make another."

Crystal suddenly burst into laughter—a sound so deranged it sent chills down their spines.

"Ah, true love."

"One stab isn't enough. Do it again."

The sound of the dagger piercing flesh was horrifyingly clear. Joanna felt as if her blood had turned to ice.

She had wanted to leave Ryan—but not like this. Not at the cost of his life. She didn't want to owe him this.

Crystal cackled, triumphant and unhinged.

"She doesn't even love you, and yet you'd die for her? What a fool! A complete fool!"

Then, just as suddenly, she shook her head violently.

"No, no! I changed my mind. I want you both dead!"

With a crazed scream, she lunged toward the cliff, aiming to sever the rope that held Joanna.

Sean reacted instantly, throwing himself at Crystal and grappling with her at the edge.

Meanwhile, Ryan, bleeding and weakened, dragged himself toward Joanna, reaching out with the last of his strength.

"Joanna... take my hand..."

Tears streaming down her face, Joanna stretched out her trembling fingers and clasped his hand tightly.

Her heart was a storm of emotions—grief, fear, and an overwhelming gratitude for his sacrifice.

The situation at the cliff's edge grew more desperate by the second, life and death hanging by a thread.

Then—

Bang.

A gunshot rang out.

A crimson dot bloomed on Crystal's forehead.

Her body stiffened before collapsing backward, lifeless eyes staring blankly at the sky.