Chapter 3

When Grandpa saw the two return, he put down the rag doll in his hand.

"How did it go?" he asked, tightly gripping Jack's arm.

Jack tried to reassure him, "Grandpa, it's too late today. I'll bring the tools tomorrow and officially open the coffin then."

Emily stepped forward, flashing a sweet smile, and said ingratiatingly, "Grandpa, you should rest now. I'll accompany Jack tomorrow and keep an eye on him."

Grandpa looked at her, a flash of confusion in his eyes.

He picked up the rag doll again and said softly, "I don't know you. Where's Rachel?"

"Jack, hurry and bring Rachel back. Don't let her stay away from home for too long."

Upon hearing these words, Jack's expression instantly darkened, as if something had stung him.

"Don't mention her anymore, Grandpa."

"It's too late, she'll be cold."

"Grandpa! She's not coming back."

Jack's chest heaved violently.

"You need to coax her properly."

"Grandpa!"

He snatched the rag doll from Grandpa's hand and threw it out the window, his voice trembling as he said, "Grandpa, how many times do I have to tell you? She left with someone else! She doesn't want us anymore, doesn't want me!"

Startled by Jack's actions, Grandpa turned and glared at him angrily, "That's not true! Rachel must be hiding because that rascal Jack upset her. She can't find her way home. Rachel always listens to me. I'll wait for her here, she'll definitely come back."

Jack clenched his jaw tightly. He had tried so hard to forget her, why did everyone keep reminding him that he had been abandoned? Those past events always left behind sharp remnants that cut deep new wounds every time they were mentioned.

His eyes were bloodshot from the emotional turmoil. He instinctively reached into his pocket for eye drops but found nothing.

Seeing this scene, my heart ached. Don't argue because of me, it's not worth it, it's not worth it!

Suddenly, I remembered my childhood promise to protect this family.

I was an orphan saved by Jack's parents, who were both police officers.

When I was rescued as a child, I was covered in wounds, so thin it was hard to tell if I was a boy or a girl. The orphanage staff said children like me were hard to adopt.

I huddled in a corner, thinking I was about to be abandoned again. But Jack's parents came over, patted my head, and asked me, "Would you like to live with us?"

The feeling at that moment was indescribable. It was like enjoying a warm cup of milk in the bitter cold, finding an umbrella in the rain, or waking up to sunshine on your bed.

From then on, I had a family. But I couldn't do anything in return. Instead, I made Grandpa bury his grandchild and caused them to argue incessantly.

The atmosphere remained tense, the stuffiness in the room almost suffocating. Just then, a cheerful voice came from outside.

"Jack! Oh my, you came back home in such a hurry without even telling me!"

It was Alex Chen, Jack's and my childhood friend.

As soon as Alex entered, he looked around and said with a smile, "It's been a long time since I've been back. This place hasn't changed at all."

He knew I had passed away, but because he had to keep it from Jack, he never dared to come and pay his respects to me.

Jack asked with some surprise, "Why are you here too? Isn't the hospital busy?"

Alex patted Jack's shoulder and replied, "Well, I heard about the heavy rain back home. I figured I'd take some annual leave and check on Grandpa while I'm at it."

"But what's going on here? Why is everyone so serious?" Alex asked.

Jack briefly explained the situation. After listening, Alex furrowed his brow, looking thoughtful.

"Oh, that's simple. If you're busy with work, go back to the police station. Leave the exhumation to me. I've dealt with more dead bodies than you have." Alex said with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.

Jack lowered his eyes and pressed his lips together, noncommittal: "Grandpa seems to care a lot about that body."

"Grandpa's getting old, maybe he just got confused. Don't worry, I've seen Grandpa exhume remains before. How hard can it be to copy what he does?" Alex patted his chest, putting on a confident air.

Jack hesitated for a moment. Alex's proposal was indeed the best option, but he still felt something was off.

Alex didn't give him time to think: "By the way, aren't you going to introduce me to..."

Jack paused, then introduced, "This is my boss's daughter, Emily Johnson."

Emily extended her hand, smiling, "Hello, I'm Emily Johnson."

Her hand lingered in the air for a moment, but Alex pretended not to notice her gesture. He turned and patted Jack's shoulder, his tone teasing: "Jack, you lucky dog. You've got a beauty by your side."

Emily awkwardly withdrew her hand, her smile becoming a bit stiff. She was about to explain.

But before she could speak, Jack coldly rebuked, "Alex!"

Alex shrugged, putting on an indifferent air, and muttered, "I was just joking, don't take it seriously."

"Alright, alright, everyone go rest now. I'll sleep with Grandpa tonight, you two can each take a room. There's a train you can catch together early tomorrow morning." Alex hurried Jack off to rest.

Emily felt a bit disappointed. She had come to make a good impression on Jack's family, but they had settled everything in just a few words. She couldn't say anything more and could only silently follow behind.

Just then, Jack suddenly stopped in his tracks. He turned back, asking as if casually, "After she went to America, did you hear any news about her?"

He didn't mention a name, but Alex knew who Jack was referring to.

My heart instantly jumped to my throat.

Alex was taken aback for a moment, then replied, "What are you talking about? Didn't she go to France?"