Losing to My Substitute (Katerina and Joshu)
Substitute 66

Chapter

37

Linda had walked far when a sudden, searing pain struck her chest.

She slowly crouched down, her hands clutching tightly at the fabric over her heart as tears streamed

down her face.

A wave of unease and fear swelled within her, growing stronger and stronger...

It felt as if something immensely important to her was slipping away, as if Ivan's resolved and determined gaze was flashing before her eyes.

The ominous premonition in her heart now took on a vivid, horrifying form.

Without hesitation, she stood up and began running back.

In the night wind, her hair whipped around her face, her scarf caught by the river breeze and swept

into the darkness.

She ran with all her might, back to the middle of the bridge, back to the place where they had parted. The river lay still and smooth like a mirror, rippling gently under the moonlight.

She knew-at this very moment, Ivan lay submerged and alone, resting in the icy waters of the river.

There was no hesitation, no fear in her-only the same sense of determination Ivan had shown

before...

But it was too late.

When Linda awoke, she was in the hospital.

Rachel sat by her bedside, her eyes red and swollen from crying.

Seeing Linda stir, Rachel immediately leaned forward and hugged her tightly.

"Linda, you're so foolish. You scared me to death, do you know that?"

Her voice was choked with sobs, her entire body trembling as she cried.

Linda struggled to lift her hand and gently patted Rachel's back. 67.0%

Chapte

t's okay now, Rachel. It's okay..

Her voice was soft, calm, but tinged with an unbearable sorrow.

Rachel looked at her, and the tears she had fought back began to fall again.

Linda read the emotions in Rachel's gaze and gave a faint, bitter smile.

Her hoarse voice wavered as she spoke, "Ivan... he's gone, isn't he?"

Rachel turned her head, her eyes trembling with hesitation, but after a long pause, she finally

answered.

"Yes. His body was found in the river after seven days, caught downstream. Linda... I was so afraid you wouldn't wake up."

Linda slowly closed her eyes, tears sliding from the corners.

Her chest heaved with silent sobs, but no sound escaped her lips.

"Linda... just cry, please. Don't hold it in like this. It hurts to see you like this...."

A painful whimper slipped from her throat.

The entire room was steeped in sorrow.