Chapter 1

Maeve Anderson’s expression immediately darkened.

“Asher, you’re not a child. Please don’t threaten me with divorce.

“You know about my relationship with Ethan. In the past, he lost interest in everything. Finally, he has some plans for his future.”

She paused as her expression softened. Then, she smiled a little.

“This is a good thing! We should be supporting him.”

Even though it was the end of summer, I felt a shiver running down my spine.

“What about our mortgage and my mother’s illness? Are you going to ignore them?”

Maeve’s smile froze on her face. She looked away.

“We can delay the mortgage repayment. Your mother doesn’t need the surgery right away.”

“But my mother’s surgery is scheduled in three days!”

My voice shook.

“If I can’t pay five hundred thousand dollars in three days, her surgery will be called off.”

Maeve stared intently at me and tried to reason with me.

“It’ll just be delayed for a little while. It’s not like she’s dying.

“Ethan’s severely depressed. If I ignore him, he may take his own life at any given time.

“You must learn how to prioritize.”

I felt a little light-headed.

My temples throbbed as I was overwhelmed with disbelief.

“Maeve, this isn’t the first day that Ethan’s been severely depressed.

“Ever since we got married, you told me he’d commit suicide at any time, so you must take good care of him. He’s still alive after five years, isn’t he?”

Initially, Maeve was leaning against the balcony railings. Upon hearing that, she straightened up.

“Can you speak a little kindly? Why are you cursing Ethan?”

I clenched my fists.

“You’re the one who said that about my mother first. Why can’t I talk about Ethan that way when you said the same thing about my mother?”

Instantly, she felt a little guilty.

Her shoulders slumped a little.

“I didn’t mean it. But Ethan’s depressed because of the divorce. I have to bear responsibility for that.

“He needs two and a half million dollars for his studies. It’s just the right amount for him. If I ignore him when I have the money, I’ll feel guilty for the rest of my life.”

After all the arguments, she still wanted to give Ethan the money.

I suddenly felt exhausted. I leaned against the door frame as I heard the ringtone she had set specifically for Ethan Reid coming from her phone.

She answered the call in a gentle voice.

“No worries. You know what Asher’s like. He’ll be fine in a few days.

“No, I promised to pay for your school fees, and I won’t break my word. Ethan, studying overseas is the best decision you’ve made. Please don’t give up on yourself.”

She had always encouraged him gently.

My phone buzzed. It was a text message from my mother.

[Asher, the family member of the patient next to my bed gave me a lot of cupcakes. Doesn’t Maeve love cupcakes? Come and get them when you’re free.]

I looked at Maeve as she smiled, and I interrupted her for the first time.

“My mom…”

I had just said two words when she immediately looked up and pressed a finger to her lips, shushing me.

She was gentle toward Ethan but impatient toward me.

My words were stuck in my throat. I could not get them out or swallow them.

I smirked.

It might have seemed like I was smiling at her, but I was laughing at myself.