Chapter 2

The next day, when my mom went to work, her company told her she had been fired.

She sat dazed on the sidewalk outside the company, mumbling, "What about Kevin's medical bills now..."

I floated in the air, looking at the strands of white mixed in with her black hair, feeling a lump in my throat.

This job had been my mom's only source of income. After I passed away, my brother also fell ill, and she could only find work as a cleaner to make ends meet.

I guessed that my mom's job loss was Zachary's doing, and my guilt towards her deepened.

I had thought that leaving him like that would make him give up and move on, but I didn't realize his obsession would run so deep.

Deep enough that three years later, he would lose his rationality and extend his anger to my family.

My spirit followed Zachary, wanting to slap him hard to avenge my mom.

I watched as Zachary entered a mansion. Inside, a woman took his coat and kissed his cheek affectionately.

As I recognized the familiar figure of the woman, my mind went blank.

It was Rachel Young.

Rachel and I were high school classmates. She was beautiful and came from a wealthy family. Many boys pursued her, including Zachary.

Rachel was used to being chased by numerous boys and knew they would give up before long.

But she hadn't expected that boy named Zachary Thompson to persist from freshman to senior year.

So that year, she approached me. With a dazzling smile, she handed me a card.

"Go find a way to get together with Zachary Thompson. I don't care how you do it, just keep him from bothering me."

At that time, I was sick but didn't dare tell the school, fearing they would make me take a leave of absence.

Looking through her beautiful eyes at sickly, unattractive me, I had no choice. I needed money for medical treatment.

I took the card, which contained more zeros than I could count at first glance.

So I went to intercept this trouble for Rachel, mustering up the courage to confess to Zachary. Surprisingly, it went smoothly.

That's how Zachary and I got together.

"Zachary, what's wrong? Did something happen today?" My reminiscence was interrupted as Rachel gently massaged Zachary's shoulders, asking about his day in an intimate tone.

"I met someone who put me in a bad mood," Zachary said, pinching the bridge of his nose, his voice heavy.

"I'll ask the housekeeper to make some sweet soup. You'll feel better after eating it," Rachel said, leaning on Zachary's shoulder, her voice as gentle as water.

Zachary tilted his head to kiss her lips. "It's good to have you."

As I watched the man I had loved for years, my heart filled with an indescribable sourness.

He already had a beautiful companion by his side, yet he still couldn't let go of the past, insisting on reopening my mother's wounds.