Chapter 3 Loving Parents

"Get in. I'll take you to the hospital."

My hand was seriously injured, so I got into her car without hesitation. The ride to the hospital was quiet, but when we were almost there, something hit me.

Confused, I asked, "It's the holidays. Why aren't you with your family?"

A hint of dejection flickered in Wendy's eyes, then she smiled. "I have no family. And we're here. You can go now."

The doctor told me my hand was severely injured, and if I had come any later, I would be facing a real chance of amputation.

As the doctor dealt with my wound, he muttered, "You should be careful with the fireworks. From the look of this, anyone would think you threw a lit one at yourself. Be careful next time."

Although the doctor was scolding me, a strange warmth bubbled up inside my chest. I turned on my phone. A notification immediately popped up, showing the amount Nancy had transferred to me. Ten dollars.

I froze. Did she really think this was enough for a hotel room?

That amount could barely cover anything. To her, I was not even worth a proper thought.

Wendy noticed my soured mood.

She asked, "What's going on with you and Nancy? I thought you were in love. You're injured. Why isn't she here?"

I said nothing. I had no idea why either. I did not know when Nancy had changed so much.

Since my wound was already treated, Wendy left.

I came out of the hospital and walked down the road. A wave of emotions washed over me, and I thought, 'Everyone must be with their families now.'

I called my parents, and the call went through quickly.

My mother asked warmly, "Have you met up with Nancy? Did you make a feast? You must be so happy to see your wife again. I know you're working hard, but don't neglect yourself. If you don't want to spend money on good food, your father and I can send you some."

My mother's soothing message hit something inside me, and I couldn't hold it back anymore. My eyes went red, and tears began to spill. There was nothing but pain in my gaze.

I did not want my parents to realize I was hurting, so I made small talk and hung up.

…

A short while later, my father gave me ten thousand dollars. "I know you make a lot of money, but here's a little something from us. Get yourself some good food for the holidays. We miss you."

I closed my eyes, and tears trickled down my cheeks. Every single drop carried sorrow and pain.

Not long after Nancy and I got married, I handed management of the local company over to her. Then, I went overseas to expand our business, all so she could have a better life.

Under my management, the overseas branch had grown rapidly.

This time, I had planned to transfer the shares to Nancy and work remotely from home. I would not leave again. But to manage the company overseas, I had not seen my parents in seven years.

They had spent holiday after holiday alone. And for Nancy's sake, I had abandoned them again and again.

My thoughts were interrupted by a message. It was from Nancy. "You still took the money. I knew it. Gold diggers like you would never let money slip away."