Chapter 2

"All right, five years is long enough. There's a limit to how long you can keep throwing a tantrum.

"Take the flowers. I'll pretend none of this ever happened. Jack's almost recovered too. If you apologize, I might consider going ahead with our wedding–"

"You're delusional."

I could no longer stand it and interrupted her.

"I came back to visit my mom's grave. Once I'm done, I'm leaving immediately.

"I've forgotten all about us.

"And one more thing–"

I paused before stepping forward. I didn't even look back.

"Since you're married, stop wearing the engagement ring we picked together.

"It's already faded."

Ivy stood frozen in place. A second later, she shouted after me, "Tomorrow is your dad's 60th birthday celebration! He really misses you. Make sure you come!"

I hesitated for a moment. I then quickened my pace and left.

I'd lost my dad, Joseph Kennedy, five years ago.

Five years ago, at Mom's funeral, Joseph brought his illegitimate son home and welcomed him into the family in front of all our relatives.

"I only made the same little mistake every man makes.

"Jack spent over twenty years being raised outside this family. I only brought him home after your mother died. I've done right by her.

"What right do you have to be upset?"

To punish me, he let Jack take my bedroom, my car, and my watches.

He allowed Jack to play the role of the naive younger brother while driving a wedge between Ivy and me.

Even when I was rushed to the hospital with alcohol poisoning and the nurse called him to sign the consent forms, he said, "Today is my younger son's wedding day. I can't go to the hospital.

"I know Casper. He's always loved drawing attention to himself. Alcohol poisoning? It's all a lie. Your hospital is supposed to treat real patients. Don't play along with his games.

"My son is calling me over. I'm about to walk him down the aisle. Don't call again."

I lay on the operating table while the alcohol eroded my brain, yet every word he said was carved into my bones.

For five whole years, I hadn't forgotten a single one of them.

Thinking about it now, I couldn't help but pull my coat tighter around me. The wind had picked up.

It was a little chilly.

That evening, I lay on my hotel bed and video-called my wife and child.

My wife lived abroad and was incredibly clingy. Just like our child, she couldn't go a single day without me.

"Honey, your dad says he misses home too. He's packing his bags right now. He'll come back with us tomorrow morning."

My foster sister, Ivanna Smith, popped her head into the frame.

"That's right, Casper. Dad and I talked about it. Visiting your mom's grave is important, so we have to come back with you.

"While we're there, Dad and I can inspect our businesses back home too. Make sure you eat properly while you're there alone. No spicy or greasy food, got it? Your stomach isn't in good shape."

The alcohol poisoning five years ago had cost me half my stomach. Ivanna had been my neighbor back then and the first person to notice how helpless I was.

During my five years in Farland, she took me into her home, accepted me as her younger brother, and helped me change my name.

My foster father, Frank Smith, treated me like his own son.

They were the family I truly belonged to.

I smiled and nodded. We chatted for a little longer before finally hanging up. Even then, I was reluctant to say goodbye.

It felt wonderful to have a family that cared about me.

Knowing they were coming, I got up early the next morning.

I went to the mall to buy some daily necessities.

On the way there, Ivy somehow got hold of my phone number and sent me an address.

[Cloud Splendor Corp.]

It was one of the businesses Frank planned to inspect after returning.

[Make sure you get here early.]

Ivy reminded me through text.

I couldn't be bothered to respond, so I took a cab back to the hotel.

A Maybach slowly pulled up in front of me.

Before I could react, someone shoved me into the back seat. The car door clicked shut and was locked.

"Riley?"

Seeing Riley Kennedy's familiar face in the driver's seat, I instinctively called out to her. I quickly recalled the last phone call I'd made to her before leaving the country.