Yes. In his version of things, in that past life he claimed to remember, we had a brilliant, healthy child.

So why had it turned out like this?

I clutched the small box tighter against my chest.

I'd heard that children who die before their time become trapped in the cycle of rebirth, unable to find peace.

So I'd ordered this box specially made—carved with lotus flowers—and arranged for a monk to chant sutras for forty-nine days.

I hoped he would have another chance. That in his next life, he would find parents who truly loved him.

"Daddy."

A child's voice broke through my thoughts. Charlie was staring at the box in my arms, and suddenly his hand shot out to grab it.

"I want that box!"

"Don't touch it!"

I slapped his hand away hard and pulled the box tight against my body.

The sharp crack echoed through the corridor. Charlie froze for a split second before bursting into wails.

A flicker of shock crossed James's face, but he immediately hardened his expression. "What do you think you're doing?"

"He's just a child! Why are you taking it out on him?"

I clutched the box to my chest, glaring at James with every ounce of hatred I possessed. "James Stevens, I hate you. I hate you!"

Each word dripped venom. The taste of blood filled my mouth. He seemed stunned that I—always so compliant—would say such things. His brow furrowed. "Linda, you're being completely unreasonable."

Without another word, he pulled something from his pocket. "I'll trade you this for that broken box. Happy now?"

It was an exquisite longevity lock pendant.

I'd once mentioned wanting to buy one for our baby. He'd dismissed it, told me to focus on the pregnancy and stop overthinking.

"Isn't this what you wanted to give the child? Take it—"

Before he could finish, Charlie's crying turned shrill. "Daddy! That's mine! You ordered it for me!"

Embarrassment flickered across James's face, quickly masked. "I'll get you something even better later."

"NO! You can't give away my things!"

Charlie charged at me, shoving me with all his strength. Caught off guard, I crashed to the floor. The box flew from my hands.

"Give it back!"

My pupils contracted. Despair clawed at my throat as I watched Charlie snatch the box and sprint to the end of the corridor. With one vicious motion, he hurled it down the garbage disposal chute.

I lunged after it like a woman possessed, but James seized me, his grip iron-tight.