Chapter 3
The next day, I found a steaming cup of coffee on my desk, along with a neatly written note: [Brynn, I want to always be the one holding an umbrella for you, no matter what.]
From that day on, Oscar started pursuing me, pulling out all the stops just to win my heart.
He'd wait for me outside the classroom building whenever it rained, sneak love notes into my textbooks, and bring me little treats in the study lounge.
I remember when I came down with a fever, he skipped an important class to take care of me, fumbling around the kitchen trying to make soup.
Back then, to make me smile, he even learned to play guitar and would serenade me under my dorm window every single weekend.
Later, when he started his own business, I gave up the chance to study abroad so I could be there for him and his dreams.
Those were the days when we'd huddle together in our tiny apartment, eating instant noodles, pulling all-nighters to work on proposals, and celebrating every little win.
Oscar always said I was his courage and strength, the one who gave him the guts to go after his dreams.
But now, when I think about it, all those warm memories probably became nothing but baggage to him a long time ago.
The boy who used to run through the rain for me couldn't even bother to visit me when I was in the hospital.
The one who swore he'd always hold an umbrella for me was willing to give up our child for that snake of a woman.
Tears blurred my eyes as I remembered the vows he made beneath the cherry blossoms on our wedding day. "I'll cherish you forever and always have your back."
But in the end, those promises all faded away.
I looked down and deleted the last photo of us together from my phone.
Maybe I should thank that snake for finally showing me who he really was.
By the time I got home, it was already dark.
The moment I opened the door, I could tell something was off about the house.
"Candy?" I called out softly, hoping to hear the familiar bark of my golden retriever, but there was no answer.
The living room lights were on, and Oscar was sitting on the couch, buried in some paperwork.
When he saw me walk in, his face went stiff for a second.
"You're back," he said, putting down the papers. "What took you so long tonight?"
With a frosty look, I asked Oscar, "Where's Candy?"
"Oh, I just had someone take her to the groomer for a bath," Oscar replied, not meeting my gaze. "Go get some rest. Don't stress over it."
"A bath?" I glanced at my watch. "Aren't all the groomers closed by now? Since when are you so concerned about Candy?"
Oscar looked a bit rattled. "I found a 24-hour place. Anyway, have you eaten yet? I can get the housekeeper—"
Before he could finish, I spotted a familiar glass terrarium peeking out from behind the coffee table.
I walked over and took a look, and it felt like my blood turned to ice. It was the very snake that took my child away. It was back again, right in front of me.
"Oscar!" I spun around and shouted at him. "Are you out of your mind? Why is that snake here again?"
"Brynn said it's safe now—" Oscar tried to explain.
"Brynn? It's always Brynn," I snapped, cutting him off. "Is she all you ever care about? Do you even remember you have a wife?"
I was shaking with rage as I stormed straight toward the balcony.
As soon as I opened the balcony door, the strong smell of disinfectant hit me in the face.
My heart dropped. "Where is Candy?"
Oscar was standing right behind me, his voice icy. "Can you stop imagining things—"
Suddenly, I caught sight of a corner of something red sticking out from behind the washing machine.
I rushed over, pushed the junk aside, and saw a bunch of rags stained with blood.
Digging further, I found Candy's collar, with dried blood still on it.
"Candy?" My hands were trembling. "That snake killed her, didn't it? And you still tried to cover it up?"
Just then, Brynn sauntered out of the kitchen, acting all surprised. "Mr. Pacheco, Annie."
"Enjoying your little drama, are you?" I gave them a cold, mocking look. "Do you really think I'm that easy to fool?"