Chapter 1

My spouse Noel Seyfertt abandoned my immobilized mother at home while he ventured on a journey with Brianna Bridgers—his longtime friend and Mother's caregiver. My mother pleaded with her son-in-law for assistance, but he disregarded her completely.

Upon returning from a work-related excursion, I discovered that Mother had passed away. She had suffered a fatal cardiac event while completely alone. Overwhelmed with sorrow and anger, I contacted Noel.

However, he displayed no remorse—merely irritation. "I was only away for a couple of days with Rian! Are you being serious? Your mother has been bedridden for two years without dying! But now that we're not present, you're claiming she's deceased?!"

That was the final straw for me. I desired nothing more than to end our marriage. Suddenly, he expressed regret.

The day following Mother's burial, Noel returned—accompanied by Brianna.

I entered Mother's room to gather her belongings, and just as I opened the door, I heard a surprised gasp, followed by the sound of someone hurriedly standing up.

There stood my husband, awkwardly in the living area. On the sofa behind him were scattered undergarments and their partially unpacked suitcases.

Brianna hastily attempted to cover herself, her face flushing. "N-Nellie, I—I had an aching shoulder, so I requested Noel give me a rubdown. Don't... don't misinterpret this, alright?"

Her words seemed innocent enough, but the casual way she tucked her hair behind her ear revealed something gleaming on her wrist.

I couldn't be mistaken. It was Mother's timepiece! The one she never removed!

Abruptly, the image of Mother's struggling countenance flashed in my mind. At that moment, rage erupted within me as I lunged forward, seizing Brianna's wrist and yelling, "This is Mother's watch! Why are you wearing it? What did you do to her?!"

She shrieked and attempted to break free, clinging to Noel like a child. "Noel, assist me!"

"Cornelia! What the hell are you doing?! Release her!" Noel shouted as he grasped my arm, attempting to pull me back.

But I refused to let go.

Suddenly, he grabbed a handful of my hair and yanked me away, pushing me so forcefully that I crashed into the table. He yelled, "You're deranged! Get out of here!"

My head struck the edge, causing my vision to blur. I reached out, managing to grasp Brianna's leg. But she kicked me away, crying, "I apologize, Nellie! I shouldn't have gone on the trip with Noel! Please, don't frighten me like this again!"

"Cornelia! Cease this madness!" Noel snapped. "I only took Rian on that trip because I made a promise! She's been caring for your mother for so long—she deserved a break! Don't act like you're the victim here. If you behave like this again, you'd better remove your mother from my house!"

Blood trickled down my face, mingling with my tears, but I refused to yield. I was shaking as I attempted to stand, whispering, "Return it... That's Mother's watch... Give it back to me..."

"You're not listening!" Noel tore the watch from Brianna's wrist and held it high. His eyes blazed with fury as he spat, "You'd better apologize to Rian, or I'll destroy this damned watch!"

"Noel, don't." Brianna clung to his arm, but her eyes glinted with something malicious. Then, with a gentle, pitiful voice, she said, "Nellie didn't intend harm. I know she just misunderstood me. But I don't really mind as long as you two aren't quarreling."

"Rian, you're too benevolent," Noel said, drawing her closer. "That's why she keeps treating you this way. You worked tirelessly caring for her mother, and she doesn't even appreciate it. Now she's assaulting you over some trivial watch? No, this time she's going to learn her lesson!"

He glowered at me, revulsion evident on his face. "Listen, Cordelia, this is your final chance. Apologize, or I'll smash this stupid watch to pieces!"

I could barely breathe. My chest felt constricted, and my ears rang as if I were submerged. Humiliated and shattered, I forced the words out. "B-Brianna, I apologize. I shouldn't have treated you that way. Please… forgive me."