Chapter 3

A few days later, the Riverdale University Geological Survey Team arrived at the reservoir to conduct their survey.

Evelyn had her arm linked with Thomas's, and the two of them looked quite intimate.

The grad students nearby started teasing, "Professor Hughes and Professor Summers look so sweet together."

Thomas seemed a little uncomfortable, but he didn't pull away from Evelyn.

But when his eyes met mine, I could see the shock and confusion in his eyes.

He quickly let go of Evelyn's arm and asked, "Salma, what are you doing here?"

"I got a job," I said, keeping my cool as I tidied up my gear.

Evelyn shot me a frosty look, her brows knitting together. "Salma, what's that smell on you? You know Thomas can't stand weird odors, right?"

I said, unfazed, "That's corpse stench. I'm here hauling bodies."

Thomas's face twisted in shock as he snapped, "You're hauling bodies here? Seriously, is it that hard to find a regular job?

"If you can't, just stay home and be a full-time wife. Why are you messing around out here all day? It's not like I can't provide for you."

I just shrugged. "This job suits me just fine."

He gave me a hard look, then turned and walked away.

Evelyn looked me up and down. "This is about all you're good for. You and Thomas are worlds apart now, so why are you still hanging on to him? Don't you have any shame?"

She threw her insult and walked off. I didn't bother responding.

Not long after, my mom started calling nonstop, blowing up my phone.

As soon as I answered, she was already yelling at me, "You told Thomas you want a divorce? And now you're working with dead bodies? Salma Lindsey, are you fucking crazy? Get your ass home, right now."

I took the reports I'd written over the past few days and handed them to the chief of the Forensic Science Department, Justin Lewis.

"Mr. Lewis, here are the site survey reports and pathology reports from the last few days," I said.

Justin looked them over and smiled. "Nice job, Salma. These are clear and spot-on. You're a real pro. I'll double-check with Captain Clark and give you a call."

After leaving the Major Crimes Unit, I headed home with a heavy heart.

My mom looked completely worn out. The moment she saw me, she slapped me hard.

She said, "Salma, you have a kid. How can you talk about divorce? Didn't you say you loved Thomas? Your dad trusted him with you before he passed, just so you'd have someone to rely on.

"And now you just walk away like it's nothing and go working with corpses. Are you trying to drive me insane?"

Ever since Dad passed away, I'd never dared to argue with Mom. But this time, I met her gaze, serious and unwavering.

"Mom, marriage should be built on love. Thomas doesn't love me at all. I feel like the third wheel, or a thief, ruining someone else's relationship and stealing their happiness.

"I know you think Thomas owes us because Dad gave his life to save him, but I believe Dad just wanted to save him, not to make him marry me.

"I want to live my own life, and I want to find some happiness for myself."

She stared at me in shock, heartbreak flooding her eyes. "All these years. Have you really been so unhappy? My child?"

She didn't give me any more trouble. That night, I got an order from the Major Crimes Unit to report to the station and assist with a new murder case.

I immediately followed Justin and got started on the investigation.

After three days of non-stop work, gathering evidence, running forensic tests, and performing the autopsy, we nailed down the killer's identity through DNA.

I heard when they busted into his place, he was still holding two victims captive. If we hadn't caught him when we did, those two wouldn't have made it out alive.

David Clark, the captain of the Major Crimes Unit, told me I'd passed the interview and was now officially on the force. They even let me take over my dad's badge number.

On top of that, they helped me apply to study forensic science overseas.

I was thrilled. "Thanks for all the support. Since I'm under the department's training now, do you think you could help fast-track my divorce? Things are really over between my husband and me, and I don't want to keep holding him back."

David replied, "You're one of our key technical talents. I will get your back on this."

After thanking David, I swung by the supermarket near home to grab some essentials for my trip. While shopping, I called my mom to let her know I'd be heading overseas for training.

"They've already booked my ticket. I'll be leaving in a few days," I told her.

Just as I finished, a familiar, confused voice sounded behind me, "Booked what ticket? Where are you going?"

I hung up and turned around, acting unfazed as I saw Thomas standing behind me. "Just grabbing some tickets for a concert. What brings you here?"

Thomas looked at me, his expression a bit tense. "You haven't been home in over a month. Lucas really misses you. If it bothers you when I spend time with Evelyn, I'll try to keep my distance from her.

"You're almost thirty, you only have a bachelor's degree, and no real work experience. Are you planning to spend your whole life working with dead bodies?

"You haven't been answering my messages lately, and I'm really upset about it. You can't keep ignoring me like this, alright?"

Honestly, I had no idea what Thomas wanted anymore. Wasn't it his dream for me to just leave him alone?