“Sis, I still owe you everything for what happened back then. If it weren’t for you, I’d probably be rotting in prison.”
“I think it’s best I don’t show up at the family dinner tomorrow,” he added with a sigh. “If Victor sees me, he’ll just be reminded of his parents. I don’t want to make trouble for you again…”
Karl—he’s always been like this. Playing the victim, twisting words.
And somehow, turning everyone against me.
Even now, I could still hear his mocking tone, his sneers behind a veneer of politeness.
Back when Caroline was still investigating the case, I read her notes in secret.
I knew—I knew—he was the only suspect.
At our wedding, I stood up and publicly named him as the murderer of my parents.
I tried to drag him to the police station myself.
But everyone turned on me.
They said I was ungrateful. They said I was ruining the day. They said I was insane.
Only Caroline stood by me, trying to explain away my outburst.
She used to be the only light in my life—the only salvation.
But now, it's her who pushed me into the abyss.
In the office, Caroline forced a bitter smile and pulled a small ceramic ornament from her drawer.
“I made this myself,” she said softly. “It’s not as expensive as the ones in stores, but it’s from the heart. I heard Doreen is pregnant… Consider it a gift for the baby.”
Karl accepted it with a grin, his eyes glowing with satisfaction and pride.
My hand trembled without me realizing. The slight shift made the door creak.
Caroline looked up and froze when she saw me through the glass. Her expression instantly tensed.
“Victor? Why are you here?”
“Don’t misunderstand,” she added quickly, walking toward me. “Karl just got back from abroad. He stopped by to say hi—and to talk about tomorrow night’s family dinner.”
“Victor, it’s been a while,” Karl greeted, rising to his feet. He wore a freshly tailored designer suit, polished down to the cufflinks.
Next to him, I looked like a street drifter.
I smiled faintly, suppressing everything boiling beneath the surface.
“It’s nothing,” I said. “I was just passing by and thought I’d check in. Since you’re busy, I’ll head back.”
Thinking I was upset, Caroline chased after me, her heels echoing in the hallway as she tried to explain.
“Victor, please don’t overthink it. Doreen is pregnant, and I just wanted to ask him for advice. To prepare.”