Chapter 2
In truth, I knew nothing about luxury goods.
But I couldn't help but notice how Elsa was showing off on her feed yesterday.
She posted: [If you're loved by someone, you get the authentic stuff!]
The necklace she was wearing in the picture was exactly the same as the one I was holding.
But mine was nowhere near as well-made or detailed as hers. How absurd!
Biting back my sarcasm, I asked him coldly, "When are we going to the city hall to get divorced?"
"Still nitpicking over a game after all this time? Alice, you're beyond help!" Murray snapped impatiently.
He was about to continue when his phone suddenly rang.
His cold eyes instantly softened.
"Don't be scared, I'll come pick you up right away," he said gently.
It was Elsa. I didn't even have to guess.
Only that unforgettable first love could ever make him show a hint of tenderness.
I dug my nails so hard into my palm that I nearly drew blood, barely holding back the flood of hatred.
Meanwhile, Murray was already getting ready to head out.
"Elsa says someone's been harassing and following her. I'm worried, so I'm going to check on her," he said.
He added, "I'll talk to your dad myself later. And stop using the divorce as an excuse to cause trouble!"
Wow, he really sounded like he cared.
But my dad's death certificate was sitting right there on the coffee table, and he didn't even bat an eye.
He was truly a "good son-in-law."
He probably didn't even remember that my father had saved his life.
Back then, Murray had just graduated from college and was hustling to get his startup off the ground, pulling all-nighters for some project.
He was so wiped out, he passed out right at his desk.
He didn't even notice the power strip sparking up beside him, the sharp stench of burning plastic filling the room.
In no time, flames were raging everywhere, swallowing up the whole room.
My dad had just finished his night shift and happened to pass by. Sensing something was off, he rushed in and dragged Murray out at the last possible second.
Murray walked away without a scratch, but my dad got his leg badly burned and had to stay home for weeks to recover.
Murray showed up in person to thank him, arms loaded with gifts.
He fussed over everything himself, like getting water for my father.
He even stuck around for over half a year, basically becoming my dad's human crutch.
Back then, because my dad was hurt, I resented Murray.
But as he kept taking care of my dad day after day, I gradually started to see him differently.
Eventually, we just ended up together, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
My father was moved to tears when he found out. The tough, iron-willed man actually cried.
"I've checked him out for you, and Murray's a good guy. You two should really take care of each other and make it work," Dad said, full of trust.
I used to believe that, too. But those happy days only lasted a couple of years.
Everything changed when Murray's first love, Elsa, came back from abroad.
On our wedding anniversary, he bailed on me to go fix a lightbulb at Elsa's place.
When I was stuck in the hospital with a raging fever, he was off taking care of Elsa because she was on her period.
He even ditched me on the side of the highway once, just to make it in time to pick Elsa up at the airport.
Murray always had some excuse ready to go.
"Elsa and I are ancient history. We're just friends helping each other out. Quit being so suspicious and jealous!" he'd say.
Ever since Elsa came back into the picture, I lost count of how many nights I spent staring at the ceiling until dawn.
I fought, I cried, I swallowed my pride and tried to hold on, again and again.
It wasn't just because I still loved him. It was mostly because I couldn't bear to see my dad worry himself sick over me.
He wanted nothing more than for me to be truly happy.
But every time I backed down, they just kept pushing the limits, hurting me worse every time.
And in the end, because of their so-called "game," my dad paid with his life.
I clutched my dad's firefighter medal, a silent scream of despair tearing through me.
But I couldn't let myself fall apart. There was still that hit-and-run drunk driver.
Murray and Elsa... I would make them pay for every last drop of blood they owe.
Once I'd steadied myself, I packed my things and got ready to leave.
But then I heard a commotion downstairs.
Murray came in, his arm around Elsa.
They walked in, practically wrapped around each other, all lovey-dovey. They weren't even trying to hide it anymore.
I let out a cold snort and dropped the signed divorce papers onto the table.
Just as I was passing Murray, he stepped in front of me.
"Alice, where's your dad? Why can't I get through to him?" he asked, his brow furrowed.
My chest clenched, a sour ache rising up inside me. I forced it down and jerked my hand out of his grip. "Get lost. You don't deserve to know!"
"So you admit it! You and your dad planned this all along!" Murray spat.
Murray's expression turned ice-cold, a menacing vibe radiating from him.
I was still too stunned to respond.
"Alice, are you seriously still going to play dumb after all this?" Murray snapped.
Elsa, clinging to Murray with tears streaming down her face, choked out, "Your dad stalked me in the middle of the night and threatened me. He said if I ever talked to Murray again, he'd make me pay!"