Chapter 2

My hands trembled violently as I accepted the belongings. As if by sheer coincidence, Kenneth's phone began vibrating frantically.

One reminder after another popped up on the screen.

"1. Withdraw 100 grand from the bank and burn it for Roxana."

"2. I've taken a wife to care for my elderly parents. Now, I willingly give up my life to reunite with Roxana in God's embrace."

"Wait for me, Roxie."

The moment I read those words, it felt like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water over my head. My entire body trembled violently.

A hundred thousand dollars... For years, he'd been using my hard-earned money to burn offerings for her.

Meanwhile, I'd worked myself to the bone day after day to earn that money. I'd even miscarried because I'd overworked myself when I was younger.

The doctor had told me I would never be able to have another child. Still, I'd devoted my life to our little family and looked after Kenneth's daughter, Kendall Sterling.

Even though she'd never been fond of me, I never complained. It hit me then that, to Kenneth, all those countless days and nights we'd spent together were worth less than a handful of dirt in a grave.

My gaze fell on Roxana's photograph again, and my chest tightened. The pain surged up my throat. I hurriedly clamped a hand over my mouth and doubled over beside the tree, retching.

Just then, a woman's voice sounded from behind me. "My dad's dead, so you should know when to make your exit."

I whirled around to see Kendall standing there. I had no idea when she had arrived behind me. Her makeup was immaculate, and she regarded me with an ice-cold gaze.

"What are you doing here?" I instinctively rasped out.

"Of course I have to be here." She sneered, pulled a document from her bag, and thrust it in front of my face. "Sign it."

I lowered my head to read it. It was a waiver of asset claims in stark black and white.

It felt as though I'd been struck by lightning. I jerked my head up to look her in the eye. "Your father just passed away. What's the meaning of this?"

"Isn't it obvious? It means you have absolutely no claim to any of my father's savings or properties," she answered calmly, though every single word cut deep. "He drew up his will long ago. I'm the sole beneficiary. Now, pack up your belongings and get out of my house as soon as possible!"

I stared at the young lady I'd poured 20 years of my heart and soul into raising and felt the blood in my veins run cold. "Kendall Sterling, I've raised you for two decades! How could you do this to me?"

My voice trembled. "Even though you're not my biological daughter, I've always treated you as if you were—"

"As if I were what? Aren't I a tool to keep my dad tied to you?" she sneered. Her eyes were filled with disdain. "Don't make yourself sound so noble. You were nothing but the nanny my father brought in to take care of me!"

Kendall took a step forward and lowered her voice. "Do you really think you're the only one by his side? Don't be naive. There were plenty of women far more important than you, and every one of them knew how to make him happy better than you ever could!

"Who do you think you are? You were just a housewife who was guarding an empty nest. Did you seriously think you were the only woman in his life?"

The color drained from my face. She curled her lips in triumph and stuffed a pen into my hand. "Sign it and scram! If you don't, I have plenty of ways to ruin your reputation and leave you with absolutely nothing."

Without sparing me another glance, she turned on her heels. The sharp click of her high heels echoed as she walked out of the cemetery.

I stood frozen in place, and I was barely able to hold on to the document in my trembling hands. Hatred surged within me. It was so overwhelming it almost suffocated me.

None of this made sense. Why would she say such things?

After cooperating with the cops to transfer Kenneth's body to the funeral home, I sped home and frantically rummaged through his belongings. Sure enough, I realized what was amiss.

I found another phone. Its photo gallery was filled with intimate pictures of him with different women. Every single woman bore some resemblance to Roxana.

I felt as though a thunderbolt had struck me. I charged out the door, heading straight to the funeral home.

"Kenneth Sterling, you fucking bastard. I'm going to tear you limb from limb!" I fumed inwardly.

But before I could even make it out of the stairwell, Kendall stepped out and blocked my way.