Chapter 2

Rachel thought she was placating me, but I was beyond consolation.

Seeing me mention divorce again, she angrily stomped her foot.

"Are you done yet? How long are you going to go on about this little thing?"

"Jack, you've always been petty, but Derek was all alone on Christmas with no one to keep him company. How can you have no sympathy?"

As she finished speaking, Derek, who had been silent until now, cleared his throat and put on an apologetic expression.

"Jack, I'm new in town and only know Rachel. Don't make such a big deal out of this. Rachel and I have known each other longer than you two have."

Though he seemed to be speaking up for Rachel, every word emphasized how important he was.

His challenging gaze seemed to say, "See, your wife left even her child behind to spend Christmas with me."

Standing so close together, it was as if I was the outsider.

This wasn't the first time she'd neglected our family for Derek.

But before it had always been small things - if she wanted to go out, I'd take time off work.

Because I loved her, I was willing to be understanding.

But this time was different. Emily had lost her life because of it.

All along, for the sake of our family, I had been patient, always thinking Rachel would feel my love.

But I never expected her to go even further. This time, I couldn't tolerate it any longer.

"Yes, you've known each other longer. You two can be together from now on."

"This is Emily's funeral. Don't flirt here, it'll taint Emily's journey to the afterlife."

Hearing me say this, Rachel got anxious.

"What are you talking about? Derek and I are ancient history. Can't you be a little more open-minded?"

"That's right, Jack. If I really wanted to break you up, you wouldn't have gotten married in the first place. Don't be so small-minded." Derek chimed in from the side.

Hearing this, I could no longer contain the fire in my heart.

"Go to hell!"

I couldn't hold back anymore. I stood up abruptly and punched Derek hard in the face.

I put all my strength into that punch, knocking him to the ground with a bloody nose.

"How dare you say that to my face! If it weren't for you, my daughter wouldn't be dead!"

As I raised my foot to kick Derek, Rachel forcefully pushed me aside.

"Jack, you've gone too far!"

"I thought you were just incompetent, but I never imagined you'd be so petty and violent. If anything happens to Derek, I won't let you off easy!"

I glared at her with bloodshot eyes and shouted:

"Shut up! You heartless woman! Emily was so young, how could you be so cruel!"

Rachel clicked her tongue impatiently.

"You're not going to let this go, are you? Fine, I admit I was wrong. I'll apologize to Emily."

"Is she in the hospital? It was just a fever, what's the big deal? The hospital must be overcharging, trying to milk us for money."

"Get rid of this viewing room quickly. It's Christmas Day, setting this up is so unlucky and deliberately upsetting. It's really inauspicious."

Even now she still thought I was tricking her.

I broke down and shouted at her: "Apologize? It's too late! Emily's in heaven now, you can't find her. Someone like you belongs in hell!"

Rachel's lips parted slightly as she blinked: "You're not done tricking me, are you? How could she die from a fever?"

"Have you been watching too many soap operas, using our daughter's health to lure me home? Acting like those shrewish women who cry and make scenes!"

I walked towards her step by step. She kept backing away, her lips quivering, unable to speak.

"Emily is dead. She lost consciousness from the fever and died soon after reaching the hospital!"

"You left her alone at home for Derek. She was only three years old! Rachel, I really want to strangle you right now!"

I clenched my fists, my temples throbbing as I shouted: "I want to strangle you, do you understand? Pay for my daughter's life!"