Chapter 3

Lucy is gone.

The funeral hall was filled with sobs.

The daughter I had carried for ten months and raised for five years was now just a small box.

“How strange.”

“Where’s her father? Why isn’t he here?”

Some relatives whispered among themselves.

My heart felt heavy and bitter as I took out my phone, dialing Simon’s number over and over again.

But the only response was the cold sound of a machine.

Finally, on the tenth try, he picked up.

“What do you want, Julia?”

Even though I couldn’t see him, I could hear the irritation in his hushed voice.

“Simon, come see Lucy one last time…”

My voice was hoarse, and he seemed surprised, but quickly returned to his usual self.

Lucy had always wanted nothing more than her father’s love.

So I begged him.

I begged him to come to her funeral.

Begged him to see her one last time.

“What nonsense are you talking about?”

“Stop causing trouble, Julia.”

“Becca just had surgery and she needs someone with her.”

“Once she’s out of the hospital, I’ll come spend time with you, okay?”

His voice echoed in the room, leaving everyone in shocked silence.

“Simon, please… I’m begging you… Come see Lucy.”

“She’s being buried today…”

I threw away all my pride and dignity, begging him on my knees.

But he showed no mercy.

“Julia Harris, how could you say such things about your own daughter?”

I collapsed on the floor, sobbing so hard I nearly fainted.

Then, I heard a soft voice:

“Simon… it hurts…”

Rebecca had woken up.

The phone call ended with a click.

Suddenly, I felt like the entire world was spinning.

I faintly heard urgent voices calling out to me:

“Help! Someone get help!”

“Julia’s fainted!”