Chapter 3

Later, Vivian got a little too cocky at the auction and ended up crossing a gang boss.

The guy threatened to chop off her hand.

Edwin said, "Things aren't safe at home right now. Go lay low in Satinate for a few days."

But then, on Christmas Eve, his enemies kicked down the door. Several burly men stormed in, brandishing knives.

That was when I realized that in order to protect his beloved Vivian, Edwin had thrown me under the bus.

I couldn't take them all on by myself. Covered in blood, I hid in the back room and frantically called Edwin.

"Edwin, help..." I gasped, my voice ragged and broken. "Jackson's men are here. I'm at the former residence..."

There was a brief silence, and then Vivian's coy, sugary voice chimed in. "Edwin, look at that firework. Isn't it beautiful?"

Edwin sounded impatient. "Tessa, what crazy thing are you up to now? Can't you just behave for once?

"If Jackson's looking for trouble, he'd be after me, not you. If you're going to make up stories, at least make them believable."

At that moment, it felt like my heart was being shredded into pieces. "No, there really are people here..."

Before I could finish, someone snatched Edwin's phone away.

Nathan's voice was like a sharp blade, stabbing right into my chest. "You fraud, go to hell!

"Stop bothering us. If you're dead, Dad, Vivian, and I can finally be together forever.

"I don't want a mom who's such a disgrace!"

The line went dead.

I collapsed in a pool of blood. Through the window, I could faintly see brilliant fireworks exploding over Liberty Bay in the distance.

Tears and blood mingled and streamed into my mouth. It was only then that I realized that I was nothing but a stumbling block in the way of their happiness.

I tossed my phone aside and, with the last of my strength, threw open the window that led out toward the river, which flew to the sea.

The icy sea wind blasted in, making my already shattered life feel like it could be swept away at any moment.

With grim resolve, I leapt out, letting the freezing water close over my head.

As I sank, I thought, if I got a second chance, I would never live like this again.

*****

On the morning of Christmas, the ground was still wet from last night's rain.

Trying to survive, I was out setting up my stall before most people were even awake.

I had just finished prepping the ingredients when Nathan showed up.

His face was pale as a ghost, and his lips turned purple from the cold. He must've spent the whole night standing out in the wind and rain.

When he saw me, a spark of hope flashed in his eyes.

"Mom... Ms. Grant," he said, edging closer, his voice rough. "I'm starving. Can I have a hot dog? Don't worry, I won't eat for free. I'll help out.

"Back home, I wanted to help you wash the dishes, but Vivian... no, that bad woman wouldn't let me.

"I've grown up now. I'm strong enough."

Before I could refuse, Nathan grabbed the rag from my hand and went straight for the dishes.

But he was a spoiled rich kid. He'd never done this kind of hard work in his life.

His hand barely touched the edge of a plate before it slipped and crashed to the floor.

A shard of porcelain cut deep into his palm, and blood welled up instantly, looking scary.

Nathan flinched in pain, and then suddenly looked like he remembered something.

He held up his injured hand, eyes red and teary, staring at me all hurt and miserable. "It hurts so much. There's so much blood. Will it leave a mark?"

Back then, even if he just got a tiny paper cut, I'd feel so bad that I'd end up in tears. I'd drop everything and hug him, comforting him for a long while.

I paused, gave his wounded hand a chilly glance, and frowned.

I said, "Kid, that plate costs two bucks. Remember to pay.

"And stay away. Don't bleed all over my place. It'll bring bad luck."

The hope in Nathan's eyes vanished in an instant, and he froze. "Mom, I'm not afraid of the pain. I just wanted you to..."

"Wanted me to what?" I cut him off, mopping up the blood on the floor. "Did you want me to praise you, or expect me to feel bad for you?

"Stop dreaming. I don't even know you, alright?"

Just then, Benny, my neighbor's grandson from next door, came barreling over and took a spill right in front of my stall.

He hurt his knee and burst into loud tears.

I dropped the mop and rushed over to help him up.

I brushed the dust off his clothes and pulled a piece of candy from my pocket, slipping it into his mouth.

I soothed him, "Don't cry, Benny. Here's some candy.

"Next time, walk slower, okay? If you get hurt, I'll feel sad for you."

Nathan stood off to the side, glaring rigidly, unable to look away.

His lips quivered, tears welling up in his eyes. "Why? I'm bleeding way more, and I'm your son."

After soothing Benny, I stood up, my face going cold again.

Looking down at Nathan, I said, "Benny's my neighbor's kid, and he's been by my side for five years.

"Love is a two-way street. He treats me well, so I love him in return."

"And you?" I pointed toward the clinic down the block. "There's a doctor over there. Make sure you pay for the plate before you go."

Nathan clutched his bleeding hand, staggered, and then completely broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.

I could still love, but that love would never be Nathan's again.