Chapter 2

The concern in Ashley's voice warmed my heart. But when I thought of that so-called home, I couldn't help but let out a self-deprecating laugh.

"I came out to buy a few things and forgot my keys."

Ashley didn't call me out on my flimsy lie.

I wanted to pay her back for my medical bills, but when I checked my pockets, I realized I hadn't brought a single thing with me after being kicked out of the house.

Ashley waved it off dismissively. "Don't worry about it. Consider it a Christmas gift, since you're our top salesperson."

Ashley bought me a new set of clothes and a new phone as well. Before leaving, she looked at me.

"Wesley, the company has a project overseas, and we need more people on board. If you're up for it, give me a call. If everything goes well, I'll make you the general manager of that branch."

She gave me a quick nod before turning to leave.

During my marriage to Faith, I often had to juggle my career with holding the household together. Whenever the company needed someone to go on business trips, I always turned them down.

I had done that because I wanted Faith to always have a hot meal waiting for her at home. And in doing so, I'd missed out on many opportunities.

I recalled everything Faith had done. Ever since we got married, she had been cold and distant toward me. She often used work as an excuse to come home late.

The truth was, she had been meeting Henry behind my back.

One time, when she got drunk, he was the one who carried her to bed. They slept in each other's arms, and I got cast aside, forced to spend the night on the couch.

With that in mind, I didn't hesitate any longer and called Ashley. I told her I was willing to go overseas.

She sounded relieved on the phone. "I'm glad to hear that. I'll book you on the earliest flight available. You'll probably be leaving the country in about three days, so get ready."

After ending the call, I decided to go home and pack. After all, once I went abroad, I wouldn't be coming back often.

Once I had completed the discharge paperwork at the hospital, I headed home. As soon as I opened the door, the stench of blood hit me.

Julian and Henry were in the living room, chatting over coffee. Just then, Lily opened the door and stepped out of the kitchen. When she saw me, her face twisted with disdain.

"Oh, look who remembers he's the housekeeper. The whole house is in a mess, yet you don't even do your job. I don't know why my daughter even hired you in the first place."

Since I was already planning to leave, I had no intention of putting up with their nonsense anymore.

I was about to retort when I saw the trash bag Lily was holding. The outside of the bag was covered in white fleece.

"You're back just in time. Take this trash downstairs and get rid of it. Once you're done, come back right away and cook for us."

Something cold settled in my chest.

I opened the bag and found a strip of sheepskin inside. I recognized it immediately. It was Fluffy, the sheep I'd had for eight years.

I didn't dare think about what it could mean. I flung the trash bag aside, shoved Lily out of the way, and dashed into the kitchen.

As soon as I stepped inside, I went limp and collapsed to the floor. I saw something bubbling away in the pot. Hanging beside the cabinet were freshly butchered pieces of meat.

"You cooked my sheep?"

I turned and glared at Lily, who replied uneasily, "So that was your sheep? That's right. I cooked it. Well, it's just a sheep. I can always pay you back for it."

Seeing how indifferent Lily was, I felt anger surge within me. Mom had raised Fluffy before she passed away, and he was the only connection I had left to her.

"How dare you kill my sheep! I'm going to kill you!"

Seeing that I was about to resort to violence, Lily immediately backed away in fear. Before I knew it, Henry dashed into the kitchen and shoved me to the floor.

Hearing the commotion, Faith came out of her room. The moment she saw my furious expression, she started yelling at me.

"Wesley, what are you doing? Don't you dare hit my mother!"

Looking at Faith, I suddenly felt sick to the stomach. I had never felt so disgusted by my wife before.