Chapter 1

“Daddy, can we not see that woman?” My son, Jack Damon, was frowning and pouting. He appeared extremely annoyed. “Every time I visit her, she asks me so many questions! It’s as if she’s a complete lunatic.”

He got more agitated as he spoke and stomped his foot in frustration.

My soul was hovering mid-air. I was upset when I saw his frown.

We only met once a month. I would prepare a few days in advance before he visited me. I made small treats and prepared the best trips possible.

I just wanted him to be happy.

I did not expect him to be the happiest at not having to see me.

My husband, Brandon Damon, calmly dressed Jack up. He only frowned when he heard Jack mentioning me.

“You only see her once a month. It’s your grandmother’s request. Just bear with it.

“Don’t upset her, otherwise, we have to see her again. You get me?”

After he said that, he ruffled Jack’s hair and sighed deeply.

I grimaced. I felt bitter about it. I knew that Brandon did not love me, but it still upset me to hear his words.

“Jack, be good when you see your mother! When you’re back, I’ll make some good food for you.”

A familiar voice pulled me back to reality. I saw my husband’s lover, Olivia Smith, pull Jack into an embrace. Jack threw his arms around her and planted a kiss on her cheek.

“I love you the most, Olivia! I’ll listen to you. Whenever that woman asks me anything, I’ll be good and answer.”

As he said that, he leaned against Brandon’s ear and whispered, “When are you going to marry Olivia and make her my mother?”

After Jack said that, Brandon’s expression changed slightly. Brandon cleared his throat and pretended to be stern with Jack. “Jack! Don’t tease Olivia!”

Olivia’s face slowly turned red in embarrassment.

“You should take care of your own son. I don’t want to take care of him anymore!”

Brandon gestured at her with a smile on his face. He stared lovingly at Olivia.

I froze mid-air and hid behind the closet while watching this loving scene.

I had once imagined this scene for myself. I used to imagine Brandon by my side as Jack lay in my embrace at home while sweetly calling me “mommy”.

Brandon would look at us with a smile on his face.

But that only existed in my imagination.

I felt the cold wind coming from the window. It did not make me shiver, but my heart turned cold like the wind.

“Brandon, come over!” Someone yelled through Brandon’s phone and snapped me out of my thoughts.

I shook my head and sighed. I bet it was a case related to drugs. Brandon… had another excuse not to see me.

At the same time, I felt pity for the drug offender.

Once Brandon was on the case, the offender never stood a chance.

The other person continued on the phone, “Brandon, we found a dismembered and minced-up arm in one of the trash cans on First Avenue! After some tests, they detected a lot of drugs in the deceased’s bloodstream.

“You should come over now!”

Brandon replied, “Alright.” He quickly ended the phone call and picked up his jacket before leaving. He said to Jack, “We won’t go today. I’ll explain to your mother later.”

When the door was closed, I heard Jack cheer, “Yay! I don’t have to see that druggie!”

Right. He did not have to see me… anymore.

I followed Brandon to the crime scene. The familiar place triggered the memories in my brain.

I suddenly recalled the dismembered arm… It was mine.