When the Dead Still Call novel Chapter 1

Chapter 1: The Engagement Party Is Canceled

The grand banquet hall of the hotel gleamed under the soft glow of chandeliers, filled with the gentle clinking of glasses and murmurs of celebration. The atmosphere was alive with excitement as guests gathered for a meticulously planned engagement party.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate a truly special moment. It is my distinct pleasure to introduce to you the happy couple, Mr. Vincent Dester and Ms. Amelia Nygard…” the host began, his voice warm and inviting.

But before he could finish, a sudden ringtone cut through the air.

Vincent quickly pulled out his phone. The voice that answered was shaky, filled with tears and fear. “Vincent… I… I was in a car accident. It hurts so much. I’m scared…”

His face shifted instantly, the joy replaced by concern. “Gianna, don’t be afraid. I’m coming right now.”

“But… it’s your engagement party…” the voice hesitated, but Vincent didn’t wait to hear more. Turning to the host, he declared firmly, “The engagement party is canceled.”

Amelia, standing beside him—the center of attention herself—noticed the sharp change in his expression, as if a heavy weight had suddenly pressed on his chest.

Vincent didn’t spare her a glance. Without hesitation, he spun around and hurried toward the exit.

“Vincent!” Amelia reached out instinctively, trying to catch his sleeve, but grasped only empty air.

“Amelia, I’m sorry. Gianna’s been in an accident. You should go home for now,” Vincent said softly, his voice laced with urgency.

“What if I don’t want you to leave? This is our engagement party. If she’s hurt, shouldn’t she be calling the police? Why do you have to go?” Amelia’s tone was sharp, frustration bubbling beneath her calm exterior.

Besides, she thought bitterly, Gianna had three older brothers she could have called.

Why did it always have to be him?

Something about this felt off.

Vincent frowned, trying to keep his composure. “Amelia, don’t be unreasonable. This is serious.”

“You know I don’t like her. Tell me, are you my fiancé or hers?” Amelia’s gaze was steady, cold even, like still water hiding a storm beneath.

She had wanted to ask this for a long time.

Vincent was supposed to be hers, yet whenever Gianna faced trouble, he dropped everything to rush to her side.

The worst part was Gianna’s skill at manipulation. She always played her part perfectly, scheming behind the scenes, gradually weakening Amelia’s position in the family.

But Amelia was the true daughter of the Nygards, one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Brookhaven.

Six years earlier, Amelia had vanished during a family banquet.

The Nygards had searched everywhere but never found a trace of her.

Rumors began to spread—some whispered she was dead, others claimed she had been taken far away to some remote place, never to return.

Half a year later, her father, Raymond Nygard, introduced another girl to the family: Gianna Nygard.

He told everyone she was the daughter of a man who had saved his life, and before dying, had asked Raymond to look after his child.

Gianna’s mother had died young, and her past was filled with sorrow. The Nygards were urged to treat her kindly.

Gradually, Gianna began to take Amelia’s place in the family.

She was charming, beautiful, talented, and knew exactly how to behave in society. She quickly won over Raymond and the rest of the family.

In social circles, she became known as the “daughter of the Nygards,” and the family proudly accepted her as their heir.

But then, four years ago, Amelia suddenly returned.

No one knew what had happened to her during those missing years.

She had changed—becoming quieter, more distant, and carrying a coldness that unsettled everyone.

The Nygards cared deeply about appearances. To them, Amelia was a disgrace, a blot on the family’s reputation, someone difficult to accept.

Even when she complied with their demands and agreed to a marriage alliance, they continued to humiliate her.

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