Chapter 2

Michael cut me off. "The last time you used this excuse, you caused us to lose half a year's pay, Mrs. Fort. This time, we won't let you in, no matter what. Who knows whether we'll still have jobs if we do?"

One of the bodyguards chimed in. "Yeah. We have families to feed. Please stop making things hard for us."

I was taken aback by their words, unsure how to react. I hadn't been lying the last time, though. At the time, Dad had a cerebral hemorrhage and fell down the staircase. Fortunately, a maid had discovered him soon enough and called an ambulance.

After Dad was taken to the hospital, the doctors told me to be ready to say goodbye. That had scared the living daylights out of me. Still, I'd been worried about Eugene missing out on seeing Dad one last time.

Upon consideration, I'd gone to his company for the first time to look for him. Fortunately, Dad had pulled through and survived the ordeal.

I had no idea Eugene would vent his anger and frustration on Michael and the bodyguards. If they'd told me about the outcome of them letting me into the building, I would've made things up to them.

I was about to refute Michael and the bodyguard when my phone vibrated. "Ms. Castor, your father's situation is looking dire…"

I didn't hear the rest of the doctor's sentence. My knees gave out, and I fell to the ground. I grabbed Michael's sleeve as if it was my last hope. "I don't have to go inside. Can you pass the message to Eugene, please?"

He remained steadfast. "Mrs. Fort, no one will believe you once you've done similar things more than once."

I knew there was no point trying to reason with him. He wouldn't believe me anymore. So, I kneeled before him and begged him. "Please, Mr. Lowry…"

I'd never groveled at someone's feet in my life. A strong wave of humiliation washed over me, stabbing me like knives.

Ultimately, Michael gave in. My panic was slightly alleviated as I watched him enter the building. He soon returned, looking apologetic. "I'm sorry, but Mr. Fort has just left the building. I'm not sure where he was headed."

At that moment, I felt like the air around me had frozen. Something seemed lodged in my throat, and my fingers started trembling. Then, my phone rang again.

It was a call from Dad's attending physician. This time, he didn't sound anxious anymore. Instead, he sounded calmer than he'd ever been since Dad had fallen sick. "Your father has just passed away, Ms. Castor. My condolences."

I felt like I'd been struck by lightning. I trembled uncontrollably, and my brain stopped working.

…

Dad's funeral was a simple affair. Only a few of his close friends attended the service. The next day, the dust settled. Eugene hadn't called me even once throughout the whole thing.

I crouched before Dad's gravestone and placed flowers there. I hoped beyond hope that this was a dream—at least I wouldn't be in so much pain once I woke up.

My heart died along with Dad; my love for Eugene turned to ashes.

Just then, my phone rang with a notification. Ivy had sent me a link and a mocking message. "What an interesting video."

I sat on a step and clicked on the link with a trembling finger. The video loaded and started playing.