Chapter 2

I looked up at him, feeling nothing but disgust. He once felt so familiar, yet he seemed like a stranger.

"What do you think?" I asked, my voice as frigid as ice.

"What's with that attitude?" Ethan frowned, his tone full of displeasure. "I'm asking you a question. Why are you giving me that look?"

"I have a question for you." I stared directly at him, enunciating each word. "Why did you leave Heidi alone in the car?"

"Why? Why?" Ethan laughed mockingly as if he had heard some ridiculous joke. "Amelia, are you out of your mind? The car broke down, and Timmy suddenly had a fever. We had to call for help, but the ambulance could only take three people, so we left Heidi in the car for a bit."

"The ambulance could only take three people?" I repeated his words, my heart clenching.

The pain was almost unbearable.

"Yes, what else?" Ethan replied impatiently, "Should we have left Mandy and the kid stranded in the middle of nowhere? Besides, we arranged for someone to pick up Heidi. It was just for a short while, so what's the problem?"

"Arranged for someone? Just for a short while?" I stood up abruptly, swatting away his hand, my eyes blazing red. "Ethan, do you know that because of your damn 'short while', Heidi, she..."

My voice choked, unable to continue the horrifying truth.

Ethan frowned impatiently. "What are you trying to say?"

"Heidi, she..." I took a deep breath, trembling as I spoke, "She was killed by wolves!"

As I said those words, I felt every part of me crumbling, my body ice-cold, and everything went dark.

Ethan was stunned for a moment, then angrily scolded me, "Amelia, you've really lost it! I can't believe you'd stoop so low as to make up such a horrible lie about Heidi! You're truly despicable!"

The contempt and mockery in his eyes were hurtful. I looked at him in disbelief, my voice shaking as I asked, "What do you mean? Don't you believe me?"

He pointed at me, his tone harsh. "Amelia, I can't believe I was so wrong about you. You'd stoop this low just to get what you want! My mother was right; you're not fit to be a mother!"

"Ethan, don't be angry. Amelia probably just wants your attention, and that's why she's lying..." Mandy suddenly rushed in from outside, grabbing Ethan's arm with feigned concern.

The smugness in her expression was barely concealed. Yet, Ethan seemed oblivious. He patted Mandy's hand affectionately, then turned to glare at me.

"Amelia, I'm so disappointed in you! Look at how great Mandy is as a mother, and then look at yourself. Do you think you're fit to be a mother?"

He took a deep breath, his tone ice-cold. "I've decided. From today, Heidi will live with Mandy for a while. Let Mandy guide her properly, and you can learn from Mandy how to be a real wife and mother!"

"No problem, I'll take good care of Heidi," Mandy agreed, flashing a victorious smile.

I stared at Mandy, my anger beyond expression. "You're nothing but a homewrecker. What right do you have to guide someone else's child? You've raised a liar yourself!"

"Hey!" Mandy, stung by my words, became enraged. She leaned in close, whispering venomously, "You're so tough now, but I wonder if you were this tough when you heard about Heidi's death?"

Before she could say more, I slapped her hard in the face. The sharp sound echoed through the quiet living room.

I realized it was Mandy; it had to be her. I should have known all along that Heidi's tragedy was connected to this vicious woman.

Rage and fear consumed my reason. I lunged at her, ready to tear her apart.

Ethan’s anger was instantly ignited when he saw Mandy holding her face while I looked like a madwoman.

"Amelia, what are you doing?!" he shouted.

Before I could respond, Mandy threw herself into Ethan's arms, sobbing. "Ethan, I just told her about Heidi's plans because it was getting late. I didn't want her to worry, but she suddenly went crazy and hit me!"

As she cried, she shot me a hateful glare, as if I were some unforgivable criminal.

Ethan held Mandy protectively, glaring at me. "Amelia, I see now. You've completely lost your mind. Get out! I don't want to see you!"

I pointed at Mandy, shouting furiously, "You still want her to raise Heidi? This woman already got Heidi killed! You have no right to choose a mother for Heidi!"

Taking a deep breath, I pulled out the divorce papers I had prepared and threw them at him. "Sign it! We're getting divorced!"

Tears streamed down my face as I continued, "We've been married for years. Even if you've fallen out of love, do you really think I'd joke about our daughter's life?"

Ethan stared at me, silent for a moment. Then, he picked up the divorce papers.

"Amelia, I know what game you're playing. You're trying to force me to give in! Too bad. If I hadn't received an update from Heidi, I might have almost believed your act!"

He pulled out his phone and played two voice messages, and Heidi's voice rang out.

"Dad, Simon has picked me up! I'm safe!"

"Dad, I'm staying at my best friend Mia's house tonight. Don't worry about me!"