“She only lost a leg. Sarah lost her life. If it weren’t for Emily’s lack of compassion, if she hadn’t coldly refused that spot, Sarah would still be alive. Besides, don’t you like Aunt Sarah too? Aren’t you glad she cared for you?”
Lily’s voice was trembling with tears:
“Yes… Aunt Sarah was so kind. Mommy’s so heartless. Aunt Sarah always bought me burgers. She was sweet. Mommy just forces me to eat broccoli. She’s too controlling.”
My blood ran cold.
So it was all fake. The kidnapping, the danger—an act. My own daughter pretended to be kidnapped, all to punish me for Sarah’s death.
When the police came to take my statement the next day, Ethan and Lily kept up their act of being a loving husband and daughter.
“Officer, in broad daylight, my daughter was kidnapped and my wife’s leg broken. I demand justice. These criminals must be caught!” Ethan said solemnly.
“It’s all my fault, officer,” Lily cried. “If I hadn’t been so naughty, those men wouldn’t have taken me, and Mommy wouldn’t be hurt like this.”
The officer patted her head gently. “Don’t worry, little one. We’ll make sure justice is served.”
After they left, Ethan took my hand.
“Feeling better, Emily? I’m sorry. My phone died. If it hadn’t, you wouldn’t have been hurt like this.”
Looking at his fake concern made me sick.
“I don’t care anymore whether you answered my call.”
“Let’s just get divorced. Tomorrow morning, County Clerk’s Office.”
Both Ethan and Lily froze.
“What? You’re in this condition and still want a divorce? Who’s going to take care of you?” Ethan asked, shocked.
“That’s none of your business.”
“Can you stop making a scene? You’re hurt. Just focus on healing instead of being unreasonable.” Ethan’s tone was impatient.
“If you don’t agree to divorce, I’ll tell the police the truth.”
I stared at him. “Tomorrow morning at the County Clerk’s Office. Don’t think I won’t show up, even if I have to hobble there on crutches.”
His face paled, his expression twisted with anger.
I longed for the divorce. What good were a husband and daughter like this?
All this, just because of a parking spot? Sarah brought her death upon herself, yet they blamed me.
Why should I stay in such a family?
Near midnight, a loud knock woke me.
Startled, I sat up to see several men entering my hospital room—disheveled, dressed like vagrants. My heart pounded.
“Who are you? This is a hospital. You’re trespassing!”
The gang leader smirked.