Chapter 2

Back then, after I was reviled by everyone, only Crystal stayed by my side. She had been my only light in the suffocating darkness.

I had never imagined that she was the one who pushed me into the darkness—just to repay a debt of gratitude.

Crystal told me that Lilian, an accountant, had been tricked into falsifying the accounts. She was worried that her old and frail mother wouldn't survive prison.

Without a second thought, I gave up the civil service position I had just earned and volunteered to serve Lilian's ten-year sentence in her place. And seven years later, Crystal managed to get me released.

Never once did I imagine this was nothing but a trap laid just for me.

"Elijah already went to prison because of you. Why did you have to tell the victims' families?" Lilian questioned angrily.

Crystal shook her head, saying, "Damon killed three people. One of them was an elderly woman whose son is serving time for organized crime. Once he gets out, he'll definitely come seeking revenge against Damon. I couldn't allow even the slightest risk to his safety.

"I could only send Elijah to the same prison. Besides, Elijah said he'd do anything for me. He'll understand."

Everything suddenly fell into place for me. There was a large, intimidating man in prison who had tormented me for years, and I had always thought he simply had it out for me.

But it turned out Crystal had led him to believe I was responsible for his mother's death.

I'd lost count of how many beatings I endured over the past seven years, and the only thing that kept me going all that time was my love for Crystal.

As I touched my crooked pinky, I laughed silently until tears welled up in my eyes.

So this was how much Crystal loved Damon, to the point she had been willing to go this far for him.

Just then, Crystal noticed me standing nearby. "Elijah, when did you get out? You didn't overhear anything, did you?"

Panic flashed through her eyes, while Lilian's face clouded with guilt.

"I just got out," I lied smoothly.

Crystal sighed, the relief unmistakable in her voice. "That's good."

She then rushed over and wrapped her arms tightly around my waist, burying her face against my chest. "Elijah, you're finally out. From now on, let's live a good life together."

On the inside, my heart had gone completely cold. I didn't want Crystal or her false love anymore.

"Elijah, do you know how much I missed you every single day you were in prison?" Crystal said, her expression filled with utter affection.

If I hadn't overheard everything, I really would have believed her.

Beside us, my cellmate observed the scene, looking as though he wanted to say something but hesitated.

Everyone in prison envied me. Even after I was locked away, my wife never abandoned me. Instead, she waited for me for seven years.

Every month, without fail, she came to visit. She brought me clothes and food. She would shower me with utmost care.

I used to take pride in that. But when I thought back to it now, I realized that act was never real.

My cellmate, who had always looked at me with envy, now looked at me with nothing but pity. He patted me on the shoulder before leaving.

"Crystal, why didn't my parents come pick me up?" I asked.

She averted her eyes in a panic. "They went on vacation."

"Really?"

"Of course. Don't you trust me?"

I stared intently into her eyes as I said, "I do."

Crystal said nothing more and pulled me into the car.

On the way home, a blinding light flashed in the distance, and our car drove straight into a wall. I passed out after that.

…

When I woke again, a searing pain shot through my lower body. My kneecap had been fractured so badly that I could no longer stand.

I wanted to look for Crystal, but then I heard Lilian arguing with her outside the hospital room.

"Crystal, what are you trying to do?" Lilian asked. "After everything you've already done to Elijah, you still won't leave him alone. You were driving the car perfectly fine. Why did you suddenly swerve?"

"Mom, there's still a year left before the statute of limitations on Damon's case expires. What if Elijah finds out the truth? I'll only feel at ease if his legs are broken and he can't go anywhere," Crystal argued.

"If that's the case, then why did you have him released early? Wouldn't it have been better to just make him serve the full ten years?"

"I missed him. From now on, I'll be his legs."

"You're no daughter of mine," Lilian said furiously. "I'm going to tell Elijah the truth."

"Mom, please! Just pretend you don't know anything. If Elijah finds out, he'll hate me!"

"Since you know that, why did you still do it? I have to tell him."

"Do you really want me to watch as Damon goes to prison? Do you want me to die right in front of you, huh, Mom?"

In the end, Lilian relented and chose to remain silent.

Unable to hold on anymore, I collapsed to the floor.

Crystal looked over in alarm. "Elijah! How did you fall?"