The Empty Refrigerator

Five years ago, Bethy had complained that the neighbourhood was run-down and the neighbors were too noisy back when I had just started working at sea. She insisted that I use the cash I'd gotten for our wedding to rent her a fully furnished two-bedroom apartment in the upscale residential complex next door, saying that she had plenty of friends over there and wouldn't get bored.At that time, I'd foolishly given in and agreed to her demands.Bayville wasn't far away. So, it only took me 10 minutes to arrive there by taxi.As I sat in the car, I couldn't help but tighten my grip around my phone, my mind recalling how pale Sophia's face had been. I couldn't help but be reminded of that half jar of ketchup, and those bug-infested pasta.'I gave her 20,000 every month, but she only gave my wife 100! Where did the other 19,000 go?' I wondered.Soon, the taxi stopped at the entrance to Bayville. I handed the driver some money and rushed inside.I could see the lights streaming throug

I stared at the divorce agreement. I could feel my blood run cold as my ears filled with a deafening buzz."Sophia, don't do anything rash." I immediately started panicking as I stepped over the spilled soup and reached for her hand."I know you've been wronged. I've already suspended my card! From now on, every cent I earn will go to you! I'll make Bethy return every last cent of the money she ga—""Logan," Sophia calmly interrupted me. She didn't pull away from my touch, but her hand was as cold as ice. "Do you really think I want a divorce just because I was hungry or because she took your money?"She raised her head and stared straight at me with those dead eyes."I'm not desperate for a meal. I can support myself just fine. The reason I look like this… The reason why I'm doing this is because I've already died once before."My heart skipped a beat upon hearing her words."What did you just say?" I blurted disbelievingly.Sophia's smile was one of despair. She slowly leaned

Bethy looked even worse than Selina. Her soaked clothes clung heavily to her body, dripping water all over the floor. Her lips had turned purple from the cold as she stared at me in disbelief."How dare you actually throw water on your own mother!""So what if I did?" I casually tossed the bucket aside before looking down at the two bedraggled women before me. I looked them with death in my eyes as if I was staring at two corpses."Bethy, consider this a warning. If you ever come here and cause trouble again, I promise you that it won't be water I throw at you next time. It'll be acid," I growled darkly."Y-You..." she started tremulously. Perhaps the look in my eyes scared her, making her recoil in fright as she stumbled backward."Get out!" I roared and slammed the security door in their faces.The two women fell silent right after my threat. Then, I heard their hurried footsteps retreating down the hallway less than 30 seconds.I leaned against the door and took a deep breath

My bitter laughter echoed through the empty corridor. The hollow quality of it sounded like a man falling into the depths of hell.It took me 28 years to figure out that I had been switched at birth!The Verix family was the richest family in Mavile City. I should have grown up surrounded by my parents' love, received the best education, and had the brightest possible future. However, Bethy had stolen my life so that her own son could take my place!She had trampled me into the mud and deprived me of the right to a proper education. She forced me to risk my life at sea and used the money I earned with my life on the line to silence the accomplice who had helped her all those years ago. She did all these things to protect her biological son, who was now living in Mavile City as a corporate president!Sophia had been carrying the true bloodline of the Verix family, but Bethy had driven her to her death outside the delivery just because she didn't want to pay the surgical fees!"Be

Joseph picked up the pen and quickly wrote down exactly what I had demanded. Then, he signed his name before pressing his finger firmly into the red ink and left his fingerprint on the paper.I took the sheet, carefully blew on the fingerprint until the ink dried. Then, I folded it neatly and tucked it securely into the inside pocket of my jacket.In legal terms, this piece of paper was called "physical evidence of extortion." Under criminal law, extorting public or private property that involved an especially enormous amount would land someone at least 10 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.Bethy stood up, pointed at me rudely, and started cussing me out with wild abandon, "At least you have some good sense left in you! I'm warning you, Logan. Don't even think about trying to hide a single cent from me. Otherwise, I'll make sure that you'll regret it!" The two of them rushed out of the cafe without looking back, which suited me just fine.I remained se