Chapter 2

Monica and I became romantically involved during our university years.

At that time, she was struggling with $30,000 of financial obligations inherited from her parents, who had tragically perished in an automobile accident. She lived in a dilapidated flat, subsisting on meager meals of boiled cabbage, evading those to whom she owed money.

I contributed all of my academic financial aid and part-time work earnings to her cause. Together, we spent three years eradicating her debt.

Upon completing our studies, our exceptional academic records secured us positions at a reputable firm.

Twelve months into our professional lives, I acquired an engagement ring, furnished a modest apartment for us, and asked for her hand in marriage.

Monica was overwhelmed with joy, tearfully accepting my proposal. Shortly after our wedding, she gave birth to our lovely daughter.

Monica was so thrilled about naming our child that she spent countless hours poring over name books. In the evenings, she would nestle against me, gently reciting her chosen names to her unborn baby.

I playfully mocked her sentimentality, but she simply replied with a smile, "This is just the start. In the future, I'll read stories to her every night. Tales of fantasy, adventure, and our love story."

Following our daughter's arrival, the company reduced its workforce. To support Monica's career aspirations, I resigned from my job to become a full-time caregiver for Emily.

Each day when Monica returned home, she brought a small token for either Emily or me. Our lifestyle was modest, yet filled with warmth and affection.

In those days, I genuinely believed our happiness would be everlasting.

However, David's reappearance in her life changed everything.

I had been aware of David's existence before our marriage. He wasn't just Monica's first love—he was the one she had always regretted losing.

One night, I heard her unconsciously murmur his name in her sleep.

I was familiar with their history. They had been childhood sweethearts and were once engaged. But when Monica's parents died, leaving her with their debts, David ended their relationship and relocated with his family.

During our wedding ceremony, Monica's eyes welled up as she expressed her gratitude.

"Noah, thank you for providing me with a home once more."

I embraced her tightly, focusing only on the hardships she had endured and the resilience it had fostered in her. I failed to realize she was still carrying the weight of her past—David included.

My first encounter with David occurred at the hospital.

It was a rainy day. He was kneeling in the reception area, accompanied by a young girl, imploring the medical staff to save her life.

Monica froze upon hearing his voice. She instinctively turned towards him, and when their eyes met, I noticed her alarmed expression.

She hesitated, visibly unsettled, before suggesting we let him take our appointment slot because "the child looked so unwell."

David's daughter, Sophie, suffered from a congenital heart condition and required a transplant for survival. With suitable donors being scarce, they relied on medication to prolong her life as much as possible.

Subsequently, Monica began visiting the hospital more frequently, growing closer to both David and Sophie.

Meanwhile, the time she devoted to Emily and me diminished.

She would constantly talk about "Sophie," drawing comparisons with Emily, and the warm smiles she once reserved for us became increasingly rare.

I naively thought that once Sophie's condition improved, Monica would return to her maternal duties.

But I was mistaken. It took losing Emily for me to comprehend the gravity of the situation.

Monica and I had been together for nine years. Nine years, now condensed into a single document of divorce.

As I signed the organ donation consent form for Emily, my hands shook uncontrollably.

The process of organ donation requires swift action.

Emily had always been compassionate and selfless. Two years prior, after watching a news segment about organ donors, she had expressed her desire to help others if she ever passed away.

This was her wish, and I respected it.

However, as I gazed at her small, lifeless form, I felt as if my heart was being shattered.

"Emily, are you frowning because your tummy still hurts?" I whispered, tears cascading down my cheeks.

"Rest peacefully now, my darling. Daddy will ensure that those responsible for your pain face the consequences."

After the organ retrieval, the hospital prepared Emily's body for cremation.

Shortly after Monica's departure, I received a call from the hospital director.

"Noah, we understand this is an incredibly challenging time, but there's a matter we need to discuss. Emily's heart... it has already been removed."

"I don't care," I responded coldly. "We're not donating it."

There was a prolonged silence before he reluctantly replied, "Sir, the transplant is scheduled for today. The recipient—" "Is her name Sophie Lee?" I interjected, my voice icy.

"I apologize, but we can't disclose patient information. Please reconsider—" I ended the call.

Later that day, I sat in Emily's room, cradling her ashes in my lap.

"Look, Emily," I murmured, forcing a smile as I held up an Elsa doll I had just purchased. "Daddy finally got you the one you wanted."

Sunlight filtered through the window, but each step I took on my journey home felt like treading on shards of glass.

The agony was unbearable.

It intensified when I approached my house and heard Monica yelling outside.

"That wretched Noah changed the locks! David, don't worry—I'll handle this. I'll make him pay!"

David sighed theatrically. "Let it go, Monica. I'm sure Emily meant no harm."

He appeared every bit the victim, his face etched with feigned sorrow.

Monica's fury escalated. She turned to the building's security guard and demanded, "Force the lock open!"

"What are you doing?" I questioned as I approached.

Monica spotted me and rushed over, seizing my collar.

"Where has Emily hidden it?" she snarled. "That little thief took Sophie's Elsa doll! What a disgraceful child!"

I stood motionless, overwhelmed with disbelief.

My wife was unaware that Emily was gone... and here she was, accusing her of theft.

"I've given her everything—how dare she steal from Sophie! Do you know Sophie is so upset about this that she doesn't even want to proceed with her surgery?"

"She's wicked! How could a child be so cruel at such a young age?"

"Enough, Monica," David said softly, tugging at her sleeve.

"She's just a kid. We'll recover the doll and move forward."

I couldn't suppress a bitter laugh.

Sophie's surgery was postponed due to the lack of a donor, yet Monica had the audacity to blame my daughter.

"Do you have any evidence?" I asked coldly. "If you're so certain, why not review the security footage?"

David paled, his fake righteousness faltering as he stammered, "There's no need for that. Let's just forget about it."

Monica patted his hand reassuringly, then turned to glare at me.

"Sophie told us herself," she said. "And Sophie doesn't lie."

I stared at her, my heart growing colder with every word.

Monica didn't even require proof. She was willing to condemn her own daughter based solely on the word of someone else's child.