After saying that, she embraced Russell and walked away. I stood frozen, watching her retreating figure, my heart aching so deeply I could hardly breathe.
It all began when Kendra's old injury flared up, preventing her from continuing her competitions and leading to the loss of all her funds due to a breach of contract. Desperate, Father Glover searched everywhere for a solution and discovered that only a retired genius doctor could heal her. But despite his constant pleas, the doctor refused to help.
As Kendra locked herself away, growing increasingly depressed, her situation worsened. Eventually, Kendra's father learned that my grandfather had once helped this miracle doctor, and he was willing to extend his support for another five years. In a desperate attempt to repay this kindness, I used my position as Kendra’s husband to ask the doctor for help.
For three days and nights, I knelt before the doctor, fasting and pleading until I finally moved him to act. When I woke up, Kendra could swim once more, her health restored. We celebrated with a grand wedding, and I took care of her with the devotion of a perfect husband.
Two years later, when Lester was born, my care for her grew even more. She was the first person to show me love after my parents passed, and I, blinded by gratitude, grew desperate to hold onto her, believing she was my salvation.
But when Russell reappeared, everything began to fall apart. Kendra’s attitude towards me soured, and she became increasingly indifferent to Lester. She convinced herself that it was Russell who had arranged for the miracle doctor’s help, and that it was Russell’s support that made her recovery possible. In her mind, I was the villain who had manipulated Kendra's father to take the credit. Despite Father Glover’s reminder of the five-year agreement, she refused to believe him and treated me with increasing coldness.
Once Kendra left, the smell of smoke filled the backyard. I staggered toward the front yard, covering my mouth and nose, only to find Russell ordering the servants to throw Lester’s belongings into the fire.
"Hurry up! Get all of this in. Kendra said everyone here will listen to me now. If you don’t like it, leave!" he shouted.
My eyes went red with rage. I rushed forward to grab Lester’s things, but Russell stopped me with a command.
"Why are you burning Lester’s things?" I shouted.
But he ignored me, picking up the last item—a toy Kendra had bought for Lester’s birthday. Lester had been so happy to receive it; he would hold it close every night, even sleeping with it. Watching it burn, piece by piece, I couldn’t hold back anymore. I laughed bitterly, my voice hoarse.
"Burn it well," I muttered.
Exhausted and broken, I collapsed to the ground, unable to fight anymore.
The next thing I knew, I woke up lying on a bed. I glanced at my phone—it was already the next day. Today marked the end of the five-year agreement and, more painfully, Lester’s funeral. I forced myself to sit up, splashed cold water on my face, and shaved off the stubble. I couldn’t let Lester see me like this; I needed to maintain some dignity, to give him the peace he deserved.
Just as I finished, the door burst open. Kendra stood in the doorway, looking furious.
She froze for a moment before slapping me across the face.
"Joseph, you’re still shaving, and you—it's your fault! You poured oil on the steps and caused Russell to break his leg!" she spat.
Before I could respond, she grabbed my arm and dragged me into Russell’s room. He was lying on the bed in pain. When he saw me, he instinctively tried to move his legs, and tears streamed down his face.
