I packed up all of my daughter's belongings, leaving behind only a few items for her upcoming memorial service in a couple of days.
Along with my own things, I packed everything into boxes and shipped them to France.
The huge villa was now completely devoid of any trace of my daughter and me.
It was late at night by the time I finished everything.
I looked around the empty villa with satisfaction, then returned to my room to wash up and rest.
My phone vibrated wildly at this time. When I picked up the phone, I heard Jacob report an address.
"Uprising Road. Revolving Restaurant. Fifth floor, VIP room. Come now."
I hesitated momentarily, then got up from bed and headed out.
I remembered I'd once booked my daughter's birthday party at that restaurant.
Her birthday was only a month away. She'd even designed her own invitations ahead of time, waiting eagerly to give one to Jacob when he came home.
But all of that was pointless now. I suppose I should cancel the reservation.
When I opened the private room door, I immediately saw that Sadie wore a crown.
The room was decorated with birthday party decorations and gifts were piled up like a small mountain.
A giant, two-tiered cake sat on the table. The party was in full swing, about to cut the cake.
My appearance brought the celebration to an abrupt halt. Everyone's eyes turned to me.
Selena was nestled in Jacob's arms. Sadie stood in front of the cake, looking at it with excitement.
What a happy family of three.
"What do you want me here for?" I asked.
Jacob pushed Selena away and sat up straight, his expression cold. "You've upset Sadie time and time again. She's just a child, but you've been so petty toward her. Today is her birthday. I asked you here so you can give her a proper apology."
I looked at him and let out a bitter laugh.
Of course, Selena and Sadie planned this whole thing.
He could believe what they said unconditionally without checking.
But Jasmine was his biological daughter and I was his legal wife.
Jacob, you are so cruel!
Tears rolled silently down my cheeks. "Jacob, I didn't deliberately target a child. The only reason I did what I did was because of Jasmine! All these days, aren't you even a little curious why you haven't seen Jas … "
Jacob cut me off. "Josephine, you're the one who did wrong. Don't use Jasmine as an excuse!"
"You're a mother yourself. You should act like one and set a good example for Jasmine."
Watching Jacob's angry expression, I couldn't help but curve my lips into a self-mocking smile.
No matter what I said, he wouldn't believe me.
My explanation would only be seen as a poor excuse in his eyes. Words were so useless at this moment.
Perhaps I should just leave as soon as possible.
Wasn't it just an apology they wanted? I'd give it to them.
I turned and walked step by step towards Sadie, bowing. "I'm sorry. It's all my fault."
I turned my head to look at Jacob. "Is that enough?"
Jacob's heart skipped a beat as he looked at my red eyes. Something was slipping out of his control.
Before he could say anything, Selena spoke up. "Sadie, can you forgive Aunt Josephine?"
Sadie said clearly, "No, she still has to apologize to Mommy!"
I took a deep breath and my clenched hands dug into my palms.
I walked over to Selena and bowed again. "I'm sorry. Is this enough?"
Selena frowned and held her forehead. "The last time you hit me, I bled. A verbal apology isn't enough, don't you think?"
There was a pile of high-proof liquor on the table. I walked over and opened one of the bottles.
"Fine. Then I'll drink all of this. Will that make you happy?"
