Chapter 2 The Little Conscience He Has Left

I did not know how I left the apartment building. By the time I came back to my senses, I was sitting alone on a bench in the park.

The autumn wind cut through me, leaving me chilled to the bone.

My mind raced as I began taking stock of everything I had—the money I had saved over the years, and the assets Heath and I shared.

The three-bedroom apartment we lived in had originally been a company welfare apartment assigned to me through my factory job. It was my premarital property.

Then there was my pension. I had never touched a single cent of it, letting it accumulate year after year. Back then, Heath and I had promised each other that once we retired, we would use that money to travel the world together.

Looking back now, it was nothing but a joke.

I stood up from the bench.

If I was going to do something, I might as well do it immediately.

With that, I went straight to the Social Security Administration and applied to withdraw my pension in one lump sum.

The process took some effort. I had to submit all kinds of paperwork, but fortunately the policy was fairly accommodating. The staff saw that I was elderly and went out of their way to help me, so everything was processed quickly.

When I looked at the large sum that had appeared in my bank account, the hollow emptiness inside my chest finally felt a little less unbearable.

By the time I finished handling everything, evening had already fallen. Only then did I slowly make my way home.

The moment I pushed open the door, I heard my grandson Colin Isley complain, "Grandma! Why are you only home now? Grandma Grace came over, and you didn't even make her a proper meal!"

"Colin, is that any way to talk to your grandmother?" Grace quickly scolded him. "Have you forgotten what you promised me?"

The little boy, who had only just started elementary school, immediately became as obedient as a kitten. "I have to be respectful."

I watched as he snuggled against Grace and cuddled in her arms. That dependence and affection had once belonged entirely to me.

Grace smiled awkwardly. "Oh, Susan, I'm so sorry. Colin's becoming more and more attached to me these days. Every afternoon after school, he insists on bringing me home with him. If I don't come, he throws a fit."

I sneered inwardly.

My grandson used to cling to me the most. But ever since Grace entered our lives, she would put on a lonely, heartbroken expression whenever she saw me holding him.

Heath would feel sorry for her and start bringing Colin to her place every day to keep her company. Later, he even handed over all of Colin's school pickups and drop-offs to her.

He claimed it was because he wanted me to focus on the housework and did not want me to overwork myself.

I had been such a fool. I had actually believed he was being considerate.

I merely responded with a quiet hum, ignoring Grace's attempt at conversation as I turned toward my room.

"Susan!" Heath hurried over and grabbed my arm. His face was overflowing with concern. "Are you upset after seeing the test results? It's all my fault. I should've saved more money over the years so we could afford your treatment.

"Things are difficult right now. Elian has to support the family, Colin's school and tutoring programs cost a fortune, and expenses are piling up everywhere…"

Every word he spoke carried the same message. There was no money in this family, and my illness was a burden.

I shook off his hand and replied coldly, "Don't. I'll pay for my own treatment. I don't need a single cent from you or our son."

Elian rushed out of his room at once.

"Mom!" he interrupted anxiously. "Do you even know how much cancer treatment costs? It's a bottomless pit! You'd be better off… better off…"

His eyes met mine, and his words caught in his throat. Whatever little conscience he had left ultimately stopped him from saying the words "give up" out loud.