Chapter 4

Three days later, I went to pick Charlie up from kindergarten like I always did, but the teacher told me his dad had already taken him.

My heart dropped.

I grabbed my phone without hesitation and called Richard.

The phone rang for ages before he finally answered, "Susan, looking for Charlie? Come to the abandoned dock outside the city. I'll be waiting."

He hung up before I could even respond.

My whole body went cold, and my hands and feet felt numb.

I jumped into a taxi and sped toward the abandoned dock outside the city.

The dock was deserted and bleak, the sea wind howling as it swept dust across the ground.

Richard stood near the water, Vivian right beside him.

Charlie was held tightly by two men dressed in black, crying desperately, "Mommy, help me!"

When Charlie saw me, he immediately started struggling to break free and rush toward me.

"Charlie!" I tried to run to him, but the two men in black stepped in front of me, stopping me cold.

"Susan, you made it here at last," Richard said, turning to me. His eyes were hard to read as he looked at me. "I knew you wouldn't just abandon that brat."

"Richard, give Charlie back," I shouted, my voice trembling with emotion. "We're already divorced. You have no right to take him."

Richard sneered, "Divorced? I never agreed to that divorce. Susan, you'll always belong to me, no matter what.

"Once that brat is dead, things between us will be like before, right? Sue?"

Richard's eyes burned with hatred, jealousy, and anticipation.

Vivian walked up to him, smirking playfully. "Stop struggling, Susan.

"Richard still has feelings for you. If you admit you were wrong and go back to him, he'll be good to you and Charlie."

I looked at her, pure hatred in my eyes. "I didn't do anything wrong. Why should I admit I was wrong?"

"Enough," Richard cut me off abruptly, his eyes turning icy cold. "Susan, you're still trying to talk your way out of this. I'm asking you one last time. Are you coming back or not?"

"I'm not coming back," I replied, unwavering. "I'd rather die than ever go back to you. Richard, please, let me and Charlie go."

"Let you go?" He let out a cold laugh and suddenly motioned for the men in black to drag Charlie toward the cliff at the edge of the dock.

The dock ended in a cliff, with the raging sea churning below.

"Richard, what are you trying to do?" I cried out, my whole body trembling with fear. "He's your son, too. You can't do this to him."

Richard stared at Charlie, his eyes crazed and deranged. "If it weren't for him, you would've come running back to me ages ago.

"Susan, this is your last chance. Either come home with me, or I'll toss this brat right over the edge."

Vivian stood off to the side, fanning the flames. "Richard, quit wasting your breath on her. She doesn't care about you or about your son.

"Just toss him over. Let's see if she still dares to act so boldly."

I looked into Richard's eyes and saw that ruthless resolve. He'd really do it.

"No. Richard, please, don't." I tried to keep my voice steady, begging him through my tears. "I'll go home with you. I'll go back. Please, spare Charlie."

For Charlie's sake, I had no choice but to give in.

Richard's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he signaled the men in black to bring Charlie back.

"Mommy." Charlie threw himself into my arms, sobbing uncontrollably, his whole body shaking. "Mommy, I'm so scared."

I held him tight, tears streaming down my face. "Don't be scared, Charlie. Mommy's here. I'll keep you safe."

Just then, Vivian suddenly stepped forward and, catching me off guard, shoved me hard.

I was completely unprepared, and with Charlie in my arms, we both went tumbling toward the cliff.

In an instant, the howling sea wind filled my ears, along with Richard's frantic scream. "Susan."