Chapter 2

I was done listening to my husband's confession of crime over the phone call. It's time when I unmasked his pretentious face and confront him directly. I wanted to go inside and give a hard slap on his face, but then my phone rang.

It was my mother's voice. Her voice was weak, her words slurred. "Claire... your father... he collapsed. The doctors said it's a heart attack."

I had no time to think. I stumbled out of the house, the rain-slicked streets a blur of lights and colors. I ran to the hospital, but it was too late. My father was gone.

My family, once so full of life and music, was now a hollowed-out ruin.

My brother was gone, my father was gone, and the man I loved was responsible for their death.

I stood in the rain, the cold drops washing away the last traces of my past life. My love for Julian, once a vibrant flame, was now nothing but a pile of cold ash. I looked at the rain, and I knew what I had to do.

I had to avenge my family. I had to make him pay. And I would not stop until his company, his reputation, and his entire life lay in ruins, just like mine.

***

When I returned home, I was soak wet in water. My whole body was burning with fever. But, the sight that I witnessed at the living hall, sent chills down my spine. 、

Layla was sitting leisurely on the couch while Julian was feeding her a mouthful of soup. Holding the plate in his hands he said, his voice soft and laced with genuine care, "You should eat more, Layla. You have lost too much weight in past few days."

I couldn't hold the cough, a symbol of my body slowly giving up. It drew their attention at me. Julian's eyebrows furrowed as soon as his gaze landed at me.

"Where have you been all this time?" He asked, his voice as cold as ice, a stark contrast to the softness his voice carried while talking to Layla just moments ago.

"I had told you that I have invited some friends over dinner. Instead of preparing dinner, you disappeared from the home. You didn't bother enough to receive my call?"

Only now did I check my phone. It had one missed call from Julian, just one. I was supposed to pick up his call as soon as he dials. But, if he is not able to receive my calls after dialing dozen times, he was just busy with his work and as his wife I should understand that.

However, I was accustomed to these things now. But, looking at him now, knowing how he caused the death of two members of my family, I only felt anger and disgust.

"I got some work." I said lazily, "Besides, your friend seem quite satisfied with your hosting her. She doesn't need me at all."

After throwing out these words, I rushed upstairs. However, Layla's soft voice, laced with maliciousness and fake pity reached to my ears.

"Juliannn..." She whispered, "I think Claire doesn't like me. She still holds grudges against me because of my brother. If she doesn't like me, I'll stop coming here then."

"Don't talk nonsense." He quickly refused, but his voice laced with hurt and worry. "If she doesn't like you, that's her problem. Why would you suffer because of her?"

"Don't you worry. I'll later bring her at your home and let her apologize to your brother on her brother's behalf. Okay?"

Julian's words cut deep through my heart. But, I did not cry or went to confront him or tried to defend my brother. I just kept walking until I reached my room. I shut the door closed and let my body fall on the bed.