Unexpectedly, I couldn't even get through the Godman Family's gate. The Godman Family elders, who had been begging me to forgive Rachel just a while ago, now had completely changed their tune. They grabbed Thomas's hand and slipped their family heirloom watch onto his wrist.
"This is the rightful son-in-law of our Godman Family. A piece of trash like you shouldn't be sitting in this position."
Thomas was indeed cunning. He had long ago conspired with Rachel to gradually seize the Portman Family's wealth. My youthful affection had led me to place 100% trust in Rachel in this marriage. I completely forgot what it meant to be ruthless.
While I was hospitalized, while I was caring for my parents and child, Rachel, along with her industry peers, ruthlessly destroyed my family. Company executives were watching hungrily, waiting to take over. The pillar industry was crumbling. I had long since lost my usefulness. Just like that, I was kicked out of the Godman Family.
At that time, Rachel still had some affection for me. She agreed to pay me compensation, a clean break.
"I know you like children and I know your health isn't good, so it will be difficult for you to have your own children in the future. But you can't take Luke with you with this condition. Consider this money my compensation. Don't contact me again."
I should have stabbed Rachel to death. But I still had kindness within me. I told myself, there was always tomorrow, I had to survive first. But Thomas still wouldn't let me go. He orchestrated a whole drama, breaking his leg and framing me. His tears washed away the last shred of affection Rachel had for me.
In our eighth year of marriage, on that winter night that could freeze tears into ice, Rachel personally sent me to prison. I was sentenced to three years in prison for intentional assault.
In the first year, Rachel filed for divorce. She stripped me of custody and visitation rights for Luke.
The second year, the company went bankrupt. My parents died tragically in the hospital because no one could pay their medical bills; I couldn't even see them one last time.
In the third year, I was released early for good behavior. With all my savings, I buried my family together. That day was the winter solstice and snow was falling heavily.
Rachel lit fireworks to propose to Thomas. In that noisy night, I felt utterly alone. I stood by the river, wanting to jump in. Until the fireworks illuminated my face. I finally remembered I had a child. I wanted to see him one last time.
But when I arrived at Rachel’s house, I saw Luke kneeling on the ground, searching for food from garbage. A two- or three-year-old child, as thin as a little monkey. He couldn't even speak, only knew how to lie on the ground and bark like a dog.
Seeing me arrive, a group of people eagerly tossed him to me like trash. They couldn't tolerate an ex-husband who was of no use to them. They also disliked a child born weak and sickly.
Thus, this burden who cared for the family became my only one. My son and I depended on each other for survival. I poured all my strength into raising Luke until he was eight years old.
Finally, last year, I buried this little life with my own hands. Fate kissed me with pain and I could only endure it. Between love and hate. Between life and death. I was forced to reconcile with myself and opened this steamed bun shop.
The cigarette burned out and I casually flicked the ash, my tone flat, "Luke's ashes are buried next to my parents, but you have no right to see them."
Rachel remained silent for a long time.
After a moment of silence, she finally gathered the courage to step forward. But as she turned, she knocked my phone off the table.
The screen lit up and Thomas's voice poured out from the video.
"Yes, what happened back then was a setup I deliberately made things up. Happiness is something you have to fight for. How could I possibly genuinely like an old woman? She's so old, her skin is all wrinkled. Every time I sleep with her, I feel disgusted. But there's no other way. I'll just have to endure a few more years until I've made enough money, then life will be comfortable."
Rachel's hand clenched again. How ridiculous. The love she received after abandoning her husband and children didn't even love her. The young man she considered a soulmate didn't understand her. But she did it all for such a man. She caused her husband, who truly loved her, to lose his family. She caused her own flesh and blood to die with regrets.
I watched Rachel's eyes shift from shock to despair. I watched her expression change from pain to distortion. She hesitated several times, unable to speak, her courage failing her. But when she finally mustered the courage to step forward, a familiar voice came from outside.
