The Bride Beneath the Roses Chapter 10

After an internal struggle, Derek confessed his entire criminal history. He admitted Lily's parents were also killed by him.

He said he originally didn't plan to kill Lily—after all, he loved her. But later, somehow, Lily's words implied she suspected he killed her parents, so she made scenes every day. During one argument, he pushed her downstairs.

Lily cried incessantly. In anger, he used a hammer to shatter her kneecaps. He'd also installed software on Lily's phone—every call she made, every message she sent, he knew about. He'd also threatened Lily that if she dared call the police, he guaranteed he could kill her before police arrived.

He said the bruises on Lily's body were from him deliberately pushing her down the stairs. He said the injury on Lily's wrist was deliberately inflicted to make her death appear to be suicide.

His account of the crimes didn't differ much from my reasoning. For example, he opened the gas tank valve when leaving for work. He deliberately opened it slightly, letting the gas leak slowly to delay Lily's death. He also admitted he took Lily's phone to work, and that so-called suicide note was his handiwork.

The only thing I didn't expect was that the person with depression wasn't Lily, but Derek. Since killing Shannon, he'd lived in constant fear that the body would be discovered someday.

So he developed anxiety disorder and depression, constantly taking Alprazolam in increasingly large doses.

The case concluded. After trial, Derek was sentenced to death and executed immediately.

At year's end, I received commendation from the police chief. Everyone said I was naturally suited to be a police officer.

But I didn't think so. After this case, I'd rather there never be another murder case. I'd rather not handle major cases and just maintain peace in one area.

I also learned a principle: one must have an upright heart, never hurt others, and never break the law. After all, the net of heaven is wide-meshed yet nothing escapes it. There is no perfect crime, and no one who violates the law goes unpunished.

I also advise young women: when dating, be sure to see the other person clearly. Be a person of principle. Don't end up harming others and yourself.