Her usually cold and composed voice was now trembling with anger, each breath ragged and heavy.
I simply asked her, “You rushed off in such a hurry—was it really for a flying-in surgery?”
“Was Henry’s social media post truly because some drunk patient’s family forced you all to play a game?”
“Or did you just want to get away fast... so you could go on a Disneyland date with your precious little protégé?”
On the other end, her breathing abruptly stopped.
There was a brief silence—two seconds at most— then her voice softened, carefully composed.
“What nonsense are you talking about? That’s not true. Are you… having one of your delusions again?”
And then, Henry’s voice came through, clear and casual. “Irene, the fireworks are about to start. It’s rare for you to relax like this—I don’t want you in a bad mood because of me. Once we’re back, I’ll personally apologize to Mr. Carter. Even if I have to kneel, it’s fine.”
The call was cut off immediately.
She must have hung up in such a hurry—afraid of missing the beautiful fireworks, no doubt.
I held my children’s urns in my arms, tears falling uncontrollably.
“Daddy will never let them get away with this,” I whispered.
Eventually, I cried myself into unconsciousness.
The next day, when I woke up, my eyes were so swollen I could barely open them.
I put on a pair of sunglasses and went downstairs— only to see a familiar figure moving busily outside.
Irene was carrying a bowl of porridge. She froze for a moment when she saw me, but quickly put on a casual smile.
“You’re up? I made you breakfast. Eat a little, okay?”
“I figured you’d overthink everything after yesterday. I didn’t even rest—I flew back overnight.”
I opened my mouth to tell her there was no need, but then I saw a tall figure rush out of the bathroom, wearing my pajamas.
He walked straight over and wrapped his arms around Irene, saying teasingly,
“Irene, you really give off that married-woman vibe. My dream marriage is waking up to see my wife making me breakfast.”
My gaze darkened.
Irene had always treated her skillful hands like precious treasures. Cooking? Out of the question.
Back when we were still together, I once asked her to simply hand me a plate. She immediately gave me a cold glare and snapped, “Are you insane? Why are you wasting my hands on something like that?”
But now that my heart had gone cold toward her, she’s suddenly changed.
Irene quickly stepped out of Henry’s embrace, her tone flustered.
“You’re a grown man. Stop acting like a child.”
Then she turned to me and tried to explain, “It was raining when we landed. We got drenched. I told Henry to go home and change, but he insisted on coming here first to apologize. That’s why I gave him your clothes to wear.”
Henry stuck out his tongue playfully and said to me, “Mr. Carter, I came to say sorry! Yesterday was really just a joke! If it’ll help ease your mind, I’ll go on a blind date this weekend and get married right away. I promise I won’t get in the way of your relationship anymore!”
“Henry! Don’t joke around like that!” Irene called out, her voice sharp.
Then, noticing the mocking smile tugging at my lips, she quickly added, “What I meant is—Leo has always been gentle and kind. I’m sure he’s already forgiven you. There’s no need for you to rush into a marriage.”
“Right, Leo? Let’s just put yesterday behind us and pretend it never happened. Okay?”
My children’s bones weren’t even cold, yet she had been wrapped in tender whispers beneath a sky of fireworks with her little puppy.
And now, she wanted me to just… drop it?
Of course. I could.
I gave her a slow, mocking smile. “It’s fine. I don’t mind.”
After all, they’d be heading to Africa soon enough.
Whatever their relationship really was, wherever they went last night, whatever they did, I didn’t care in the slightest.
Hearing my response, Irene seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
“It’s good you’re being reasonable. I’ve rescheduled all my surgeries—I’ll stay with you for the next few days. Once your mood is better, once the seventh day after the kids’ passing has passed, I’ll go back to work.”
I nodded calmly. “Alright.”
