Chapter 3

On the desk, there was an exquisite velvet box that housed a stunning sapphire watch. I knew at a glance that it was a priceless piece that one might not even be able to buy, no matter how much one was willing to pay.

I had always loved sapphires because I was drawn to their cool, aloof beauty. But Erica had only ever given me ties and brooches.

She always said, "Accessories like brooches are more distinguished. Besides, they make your striking appearance look even more refined."

I believed her sweet flattery back then.

Instinctively, I took the sapphire watch out of the box to look at it. It was beautiful, dazzling even. The sapphire at the center was about the size of a thumb, surrounded by tiny diamonds that sparkled with every slight movement.

I flipped it over and saw the engraving on the back—JS.

One name immediately came to my mind… Jace Swenson.

My breath caught in my throat, and I felt dizzy. Enduring the searing pain, I fled the prison of love she had built for me.

Enough was enough. I needed to get as far away as possible.

I contacted a covert agency that provided fake-death services and made all the arrangements.

All that remained was to retrieve the letter of forgiveness from the police. The same one that Erica had kept hidden from me for the past three years.

Erica didn't come home that night.

The next day, she greeted me with a wide smile when she returned.

She said happily, "Julian, tomorrow is Jace's birthday, and it's also New Year's Eve! Let's all spend the evening together, okay? I've already invited him to dinner under your name. You two have been at odds for so long. It's time to mend things, don't you think? Can you please just do this for me?"

I looked at Erica.

She was coaxing me in a low, soft voice. Her bright eyes brimmed with tenderness and sincerity.

For some reason, I suddenly recalled that darkest year of my life. She had looked at me the same way back then, when she wrestled the knife from my hand and saved me from ending it all.

"Alright, I'll go."

If that was what she wanted, I would grant her wish. Let this be my way of repaying her for those years when she pulled me from the brink every time my depression took over.

On New Year's Eve, Erica booked out an entire restaurant.

Jace arrived wearing a custom dark gray suit that was tailored to fit his body to a tee. He looked like a model stepping out of a fashion magazine.

Erica immediately let go of my hand and walked straight to him. "Happy birthday, Jace. Here's my gift for you."

I looked over and saw that it was that familiar velvet box with the same sapphire watch inside it.

Of course, it was for Jace.

Realizing that I was still present, Erica forced a stiff smile and added, "Your brother and I picked it out together."

Jace raised an eyebrow. "Thank you. I like it a lot."

After Erica headed out to place our order, Jace's expression turned to one of scorn as he walked over to me.

"Wow. So you still remember you have a brother, huh? Don't you know that your wife is just a backup I didn't want? Surely you knew that, right?" Jace mocked.

I glanced at him and sat down. "Did you come to brag?"

Jace seemed taken aback by my lack of reaction.

He paused for a second, then sneered. "Of course not. You gave me a gift. I've got one for you too."

He pulled out a green brooch and tossed it in front of me like it was garbage.

When I got a good look at it, my face went pale.

It was the brooch that had been placed inside Dad's urn. Why did Jace have it?

I lunged forward and grabbed his arm. "Where did you get this brooch? Answer me!"

Jace gave me a taunting smile. "Where else? I dug up that old bastard's ashes to get it. Aren't I thoughtful? I even remembered to save the brooch so that I could give it back to you.

"If Kenneth hadn't refused to divorce my mom back then, my dad wouldn't have died of his depression in that hospital. Your father got what he deserved! He didn't deserve a proper burial. So, I scattered his ashes into the sewer. That's where he should end up!"

A surge of fury erupted deep within me. My eyes turned bloodshot with rage. I lunged and clamped my hands around his damned throat!