Lawyer Husband's Forced Tragedy for His Childhood SweetheartChapter 1

The day after my younger brother was confirmed as a recipient of a government-funded study abroad program, he was arrested by the police on charges of violating women.

I was desperate to get home, but the flight was suspended because of the extreme weather.

I called my husband, and it took an hour before I reached him.

Just as I was relieved, I heard a familiar female voice.

"Who is it? Jeff is busy. What can I help you with?"

In the quiet night, the sound of water in the bathroom was so clear.

I heard my own voice, which was cold and desperate.

"What is he busy with so late?"

On the other end of the phone, Kay Barlow sneered, "Collecting evidence, of course. After all, it takes some effort to convict a genius teenager.

"But I believe in his professional ability. He will surely bring justice to my daughter.

"Jeff said he'd do everything in his power to make sure that man rot in prison."

***

I didn't know when my phone dropped until someone tapped on my shoulder.

"Ma'am, do you need any help?"

I shook my head and picked up my phone in a daze, feeling light-headed.

Repeating in my ears was Jeff Burke's cold voice.

"What important thing could she have? Just hang up.

"If you get any irrelevant calls these days, hang up. For us, every second matters.

"Kay, go to the police station again. It's cold outside. Remember to bring your coat."

As if possessed, I mechanically pressed the numbers repeatedly.

Jeff finally picked up.

Before I could even speak, he impatiently interrupted me.

"Ella, I told you I'm busy. I don't have time for your nonsense!"

"I..."

He hung up the phone before I could say another word.

My mind suddenly went blank.

In a daze, I remembered that the reason I went abroad was because Jeff and I had a fight a week ago.

I had made a reservation at the restaurant and wanted to share the most important good news in my life with him, but he went to Kay's place to fix her water pipe.

I had no idea how long he spent on fixing the pipe. Anyway, when I pushed open the door of her house, she was smiling and filling Jeff's glass with wine.

Her daughter on the side, who was very young and beautiful, was putting food on his plate.

They looked so sweet and warm as if they were family, and I, Ella Wade, was like an intruder.

"Ella, why are you here? Have you eaten? Ava, go grab the cutlery for her!"