Before I died, I thought: if there is a next life, I will never again hope for a woman's true heart—only that my son can live safely for a lifetime.
When I woke from the dream, my pillow was soaked through with tears.
My son had already been sent to school. I hurriedly got out of bed and rushed to the Art Troupe.
Today was an important day—the principal position would be decided.
When the results came out, everyone was shocked.
The position went to Derek, someone who had never practiced.
The corner of his mouth hooked into a smug arc. "Sorry, brother-in-law. I was bored staying at home, and Jasmine wanted me to get out more, so she donated fifty pounds of rice, flour, and oil to the troupe..."
"Pah! So what if you're a nepotism hire! Alex's ability leaves you in the dust!"
A close friend beside me wanted to stand up for me, but I pulled him back.
I was so calm it surprised everyone.
"Is that so? Congratulations, then."
As long as my son's life could be saved, I wouldn't argue about anything anymore.
The brick phone in my pocket rang—bringing the good news that my son's bone marrow match had succeeded.
I almost cried tears of joy.
As I passed by Derek, I laughed softly and said, "It's just a woman. If you like picking up trash, go right ahead."
Then I hurried to the hospital.
But I missed the resentment and malice in his eyes.
When I arrived and asked the doctor when surgery could be done, he stammered out that the bone marrow source had been taken up again.
It was like being struck by lightning. I almost couldn't believe my own ears.
"Doctor, who took it? We waited so long—we finally got our turn!"
"It was… Director Sullivan."
I froze. All the blood in my body rushed backward, ice-cold.
A small hand gripped my palm. My son looked up at me, eyes wide.
"Dad, am I going to die again?"
It felt like my chest was being ripped open. My voice shook. "N-no. You won't. Dad won't let that happen."
I was about to call Jasmine when I saw her in the next room, hovering over Tommy's bed.
"Mrs. Sullivan arranged the best room for you, Tommy. Just hang in there!"
Derek's eyes were red, making him look pitiful. He leaned into her arms.
"Jasmine, thank God I have you. Otherwise, what would a widower and his child even do?"
Rage ignited in my chest, burning through every ounce of patience I'd held onto these past few days.
It hit me instantly—Derek was behind this.