Chapter 3

The Foster family's servants were all scrambling for the garage, while I carried Sammy and scrambled out through a small hole, slipping away down the mountain trail.

We dodged every security camera along the way until we finally hopped into a taxi. From a distance, I saw flames light up the night sky. The garage had blown up, taking out dozens of Nathan's prized luxury cars.

I knew the outcome. The servants would find nothing of me and my son but ashes.

Meanwhile, Nathan was sitting on the plane when a dull ache throbbed in his chest. But he was always swamped with work, so he just brushed it off, closed his eyes, and tried to recharge for a while.

I took Sammy and headed south, traveling through several cities. It was tough, always on the move, but Sammy was happy about it.

We ended up in a tiny town, as far from Seadow City as one could get. I bought a cozy seaside house with a yard and made it our new home.

The people here were super friendly. When they found out I was a single mom, they took good care of us.

Lillian Ross from next door was always bringing us food every few days.

*****

Nathan had been away from Seadow City on a business trip for over a month. When he finally got back to Foster Manor, he didn't see Sammy anywhere.

That was when he finally asked.

"Has Josie been causing any trouble lately?" Nathan asked.

"Mr. Foster, Miss Wolcott and Mr. Sam Foster were killed in an explosion," his assistant replied, breaking out in a cold sweat as he nervously watched Nathan's face.

Nathan's hand froze as he was loosening his tie, and his expression darkened.

"Who did you say was killed in the explosion?" Nathan demanded. "Repeat what you just said."

Nathan grabbed his assistant by the collar, his eyes bloodshot and murderous, like he was about to kill someone.

"M-Mr. Foster, I only just heard about it myself. The servants from Foster Manor tried to call you, but you didn't answer," the assistant stammered, his voice shaking.

He explained, "Miss Wolcott was bringing Mr. Sam Foster home when the brakes failed. No one could help them. The garage exploded in the crash."

The air was thick with tension, and the assistant had no idea what else to say.

Everyone in Seadow City's elite circles knew Josie was obsessed with Nathan, wouldn't let go, and even had the nerve to have his kid.

And now she was gone.

Suddenly, Nathan burst out laughing. "Good. Perfect." However, his tone was nothing but that.

The assistant had been with Nathan for years, but he'd never seen his boss lose control like this.

He said carefully, "Mr. Foster, everyone in the upper circles knows you hated Miss Wolcott. Isn't her death just what you wanted?"

"I hate her?" Nathan staggered back. "So that was what you all thought? That I really despised her?" He paused, and eventually said, "It's good that she's dead."

From that day on, Nathan moved through life numb and lost, but his face gave nothing away. No one could guess what he was really thinking.

*****

A few months went by.

Not a word about my death ever showed up on TV.

I figured Nathan must've been back from Hoshoalor for a while now. Since he hadn't come looking for me after all this time, I guess he didn't suspect my death at all.

Sammy and I could finally live our own lives.

This town was like spring all year round. I'd brought plenty of cash when I made my escape, but I couldn't just burn through it forever. So I set up a cozy B&B and, for the first time, settled down.

Then one day, I saw a news report on TV. Nathan would finally be marrying Melanie Simmons.

Before, Melanie kept putting off the marriage alliance because Nathan had a mistress and an illegitimate kid.

But both their families were top-tier, so Nathan and Melanie were totally made for each other.

Now, rumor had it Melanie was the one who made a move, and Nathan didn't say no, so everyone was gossiping that their wedding was just around the corner.

Julia, Nathan's mom, was over the moon.

"Good! My son should marry a proper lady from a prestigious family. As for Josie, who does she think she is?" Julia remarked.

Nathan held a cigarette between his fingers, his brows furrowed, but he kept silent.

Melanie looked at Nathan with a flirtatious smile, her eyes full of charm.

"Nathan, I always knew you wouldn't be blind and pick Josie over me. That's why I've been waiting for you," she said.

"Oh, Melanie, you really are smart. You and Nathan are a perfect match," Julia chimed in.

*****

I figured Nathan was bound to end up marrying Melanie.

When I first set up my B&B by the sea, it was just a casual way to pass the time. I never expected it to blow up. Guests just kept pouring in, and business was way better than I ever imagined.

I was finally ready to settle down and live a peaceful life.

So when I first heard the Foster family from Seadow City was planning to develop a resort in this town, I muttered a curse and shrugged it off.

There was no way Nathan would bother with a project this small.

I'd been running around all day, barely stopping for a second. When I finally checked the clock on the wall, I realized I was late to pick up Sammy.

I dashed over to the kindergarten, but the place was deserted. My heart jumped. I almost thought our cover had been blown.

Then, out of nowhere, a pair of familiar arms wrapped around my legs from behind. Relief washed over me.

"Sammy, stop messing around," I said.