Neither was Jasmine—not anymore.
After dropping our son and Tommy at school, Jasmine drove toward the cemetery.
Just as we were about to arrive, Derek clutched his chest. "It hurts—really bad."
Jasmine pulled over immediately. "What do we do? Can you hold on a little longer?"
Tears welled in his eyes. He bit his lip, feigning strength. "Yes. I can."
But her worried gaze was glued to him.
I spoke up, considerate as ever.
"Go with him to the doctor. I can walk the rest of the way."
I stepped out of the car.
It hesitated for a moment—then made a U-turn and sped away.
The corner of my mouth lifted in mockery.
Even though I'd expected it, there was still a faint sting deep down.
Kneeling in front of Mom's grave, I thought again about how, after Jasmine's parents died in an accident, Mom took her in. She didn't just give her food—she treated her the same as me, her biological son.
When I grew up, I still remember the day Mom died. The girl's eyes were clear; blushing, she swore to me:
"Alex, I will always remember my Adoptive Mother's kindness, and cherish and protect you for the rest of your life."
But now, in just a few years, she'd forgotten it all.
The cold wind blew past, and I hurriedly wiped away my tears.
The brick phone I carried with me rang. I heard Jasmine's hesitant voice.
"Come back. I have something to tell you."
Could there be news about our son's bone marrow donor?
Thinking of that possibility, I couldn't hide the joy in my heart.
I rushed back, only to find that Jasmine's eyes were evasive.
"Alex, I have some news to tell you."
Under my expectant gaze, she clenched her teeth and said,
"There's a company-funded trip at the plant—a business trip to Capital City with accompanying family members. I've already decided to take Derek and Tommy."
My heart slowly cooled, carrying a trace of bitterness that was hard to detect.
Derek curled his lips smugly beside her, acting like the man of the house.
"Brother-in-law, don't worry. When we come back from Capital City, we'll bring gifts for you and Ethan."
Jasmine looked at me in a panic.
"You know Derek and Tommy used to have it so hard…"
That line again.
Just because they had it hard, did I have to give up the opportunity that should have belonged to me and my son?
Fortunately, I no longer cared. As long as she could do her duty as a mother and find a suitable bone marrow donor for our son, that was enough.