Chapter 4

When the door opened, I took a long time to finally relearn how to walk, moving my steps.

Jace reached out to support me, anxiously explaining, "Summer, I didn't know Mom was really critically ill. If I'd known, how could I possibly..."

I didn't give him a single glance, walking straight past.

What's the point of saying these things now?

The plot beside Dad's grave was one Mom had bought for herself long ago.

Now I came to see her off on her final journey.

Tears fell like broken beads, one after another. My heart felt like it was being ground in a meat grinder.

I couldn't feel a single beat.

I didn't know if I was alive or dead.

I numbly wiped the dust from my parents' faces when suddenly a bouquet of chrysanthemums was placed beside me.

"Mom, rest in peace. I'll take good care of Summer."

My stomach churned violently. I almost vomited right there.

"Don't say such disgusting things in front of my mother. You're polluting her ears."

I took a deep breath, wiped away my tears, keeping my tone as calm as possible.

"Jace, let's get divorced."

I thought he'd be happy I was voluntarily stepping aside.

But his eyes remained indifferent. "After the divorce, where do you want to go?"

"Riverport?"

I looked up sharply.

He remained calm and cold. "I've already declined Riverport University's invitation on your behalf and recommended Vivian instead."

"Vivian will go in your place to advance her photography skills. I'll stay with you and fulfill my duties as a husband."

I pushed him away and roared.

"What gives you the right to make decisions for me!"

"You know my life's faith is to become a deep-sea photographer and fulfill my father's last wish. I finally got this training opportunity, and you gave it to your mistress! What gives you the right!"

"Who do you think you are? Who wants you to stay with them?"

I raised my fists and pounded on him, but Jace just looked at me coldly.

He was certain I couldn't do anything about it.

Just like when Dad's camera was smashed to pieces—besides heartache, I could do nothing.

"Jace, so you're here! I found you!"

Vivian skipped over and jumped into Jace's arms.

Pointing at Mom's portrait, she yelled, "What is this thing!"

"Jace, I had my eye on this plot long ago! The dog we raised together for nine years is buried here. How can we let some dirty thing disturb its peace!"

Jace hesitated slightly. "But..."

Vivian cried and made a scene. "I don't care! I want Summer to dig out that old woman's ashes and kneel to apologize to my dog!"

"Otherwise I'll never speak to you again!"

Whenever Vivian used this tactic, Jace would absolutely obey.

Sure enough, Jace looked at me.

"Vivian is young. Just give in to her."

"Slap!"

I used all my strength to deliver that slap.

Staring coldly at Jace. "Are those even human words?"

Vivian kept making a scene. Jace personally held me down.

Just as my knees were about to hit the ground, a group of people holding cameras swarmed forward, practically shoving them in Vivian's and Jace's faces.

"You're the girl who disrupted the wedding a few days ago, right? What was your psychology when you publicly provoked your aunt?"

"Miss Pool, rumors say you have an inappropriate relationship with Mr. Lambert. Is this true?"

"Miss Pool, we heard you were adopted. You entered the wealthy Pool family at age five. Have you maintained this inappropriate relationship with Mr. Lambert since you were five?"

"Mr. Lambert, we heard Miss Pool aborted a child. Was the child yours?"