Chapter 2

It wasn't until I reached the house that I understood why Jessica had been so determined to bring me home.

I heard Caleb's cheerful voice even before I reached the door.

"Gary, Bertha, you've got to back me up when Jessica gets home," he said. "It's been years. It's time she made things official with me."

Jessica's mother, Bertha Bodkins, answered first. "I don't know what she's thinking. Jake's been in jail, which makes him an ex-convict now. Why hasn't she divorced him? What if people start looking down on Penny because of him?"

I laughed bitterly to myself as my eyes met Jessica's.

She quickly said, "Jake, Mom's just talking nonsense. Don't take it to heart."

I ignored her; I simply pushed the door open and walked in as everyone looked me over.

"Gary, Bertha." I kept my voice even. "Merry Christmas."

Then I turned to Jessica, who had just walked in behind me. "Now will you tell me where Grandma is?"

"Grandma? Isn't Martha—"

"Mom!" Jessica rushed over and cut Bertha off. "Jake just got out of prison today. Where are the clean clothes I asked you to prepare for him? Bring them out."

Bertha reluctantly went into one of the rooms to get them.

Caleb walked over, rested a hand on my shoulder, and spoke earnestly. "Jake, now that you're out, just live an honest life. From now on, don't make Jessica or me worry about you again."

Then he scooped Penny into his arms. "Penny, did you miss me?"

Penny nodded and pointed straight at me. "Dad stinks! Uncle Caleb, you smell so much nicer."

Everyone burst into laughter. It was clear they were mocking me.

Before my release, I had even taken a thorough shower, wanting to show Jessica and Penny the best version of myself. Instead, all I got in return was a joke at my expense.

What they didn't know was that I had endured three years of brutal torment in prison. Compared to what I suffered there, this kind of humiliation was nothing.

Seeing that I didn't react, Caleb put Penny down and walked closer. "Jake, those three years must have been hard on you. Frank heard you were out and asked me to send his regards."

The moment I heard Frank Dugan's name, my eyes widened.

For those three years, Frank had done everything he could to make my life a living hell in prison.

Even when I tried every possible way to transfer to another cell, he always found a way to reach me and inflict even more suffering.

Now I finally understood. The torture I endured in prison was all because of Caleb. I could still feel the phantom ache of that unbearable pain.

Caleb smirked at me, and I shoved him away. "Stay away from me!"

I barely used any force, but he somehow stumbled and fell flat on his back.

The commotion brought Jessica running out from the kitchen. "Caleb, are you okay?"

She helped Caleb to his feet and turned to glare at me.

"Jake, I thought three years in prison would've taught you a lesson. What do you think you're doing?" she snapped. "If you still want to know where Martha is, start begging Caleb for his forgiveness!"

I found myself muttering, "I didn't do it. I didn't push him."

Penny suddenly burst into tears and pointed an accusing finger at me. "Dad pushed him! I saw it. He pushed Uncle Caleb!"

Hearing her accuse me hurt more than I expected.

I thought I had already accepted that I was no longer wanted, but experiencing it firsthand still broke my heart.