Chapter 2

The call ended, leaving me standing in the snow, feeling frozen and unable to move. I heard the shop door open behind me, followed by footsteps crunching on the snow that stopped right behind me. Turning with difficulty, I saw it was Jessica. He was wearing a black coat, but his scarf was gone.

"Let's go, I'll give you a ride," Jessica offered.

I looked at him in surprise. His tone was casual, as if nothing had happened. Sitting in his car, I was still processing the situation. The warmth inside and the familiar teddy bear cushion on the passenger seat provided a comforting environment.

"We had planned to see a movie next weekend," Jessica suddenly said. "What were you thinking then, Judy?" In the rearview mirror, I saw his mocking gaze. It felt like he wanted to torment me.

"I'm sorry," I managed to say.

"Ha..." Jessica laughed coldly. Unable to face him, I looked down.

Jessica asked, "Why didn't you come to me if your family needed money? I told you before, I could support you no matter what."

Tears filled my eyes, but I couldn't find the words to defend myself. "I... I don't know..." I stammered.

"You didn't know Jack is my father," Jessica said. "You didn't know I am his son, did you?" After saying that, he exhaled, paused, and added, "Judy, you're really something."

My gaze fell blankly on the expansive snow outside the car window.