Chapter 2

I looked at Simon in disbelief, but he remained tense, avoiding eye contact with me the entire time.

I placed Lucy on a chair and grabbed his arm.

“What about the money? That was for Lucy’s surgery!”

“Have you lost your mind?”

Simon looked at me coldly, shaking off my hand.

“I haven’t lost my mind. Becca has cancer, and the doctor said she needs surgery tonight.”

“And what about our daughter?! If she doesn’t get surgery tonight, she’ll die!”

I grabbed him again, shaking him desperately.

Simon frowned, hesitating for a moment.

“Julia Harris, stop making a scene!”

“Even if you hate her, you shouldn’t curse your own daughter like that.”

“We can earn more money, but Becca only has one life!”

He pushed me harder this time, sending me stumbling to the ground.

“You’ll regret this, Simon!”

But all I was left with was the sight of his back, as cold as ice.

My heart felt like it was drowning in bitterness.

Tears streamed down my face, falling onto Lucy’s small cheeks.

Her once-rosy face had become pale and gaunt from the sickness.

“Lulu… I don’t think we can do the surgery today…”

“Daddy doesn’t want us anymore.”

“Mommy… Mommy…”

My throat tightened, choking back sobs so much that I couldn’t even speak.

“Mommy, don’t cry.”

“Let’s just go home… I’m not in pain anymore.”

Lucy, seeing my tear-filled eyes, tried to smile.

That smile was worse than a cry.

She was only five years old, too young to understand.

But in that moment, I felt she understood everything.

I held her close, her tiny frame so thin and fragile.

I will never forget that night.

“I’ll never leave you, Mommy.”

“Lulu just wants Mommy to always be happy.”

I can never forgive Simon.

But I can’t forgive myself either.