Semua Bab Five Years For A Lie: Bab 1 - Bab 9

“When your grandma found out your dad was innocent, she went everywhere begging for help, kneeling to anyone who would listen. In the end, she just stayed home and wallowed in sorrow until she passed away. I felt guilty about that, and now, all I want is to stay by your dad’s side. I want to keep him company and make up for it.“Besides, even though Mr. Scott is still getting his business off the ground and doesn’t have much money, he’s really kind to you. Why not just think of him as your second dad?”From inside the room, my son gave a muffled hum in response.Xena let out a soft chuckle and then pulled out a toy to cheer him up.Standing outside the door, I felt like I was nailed to the spot. Every word from their exchange pierced my heart. Looking up, I wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes.Back then, I had just graduated from college and was assigned to work as an accountant at a factory. Who would have thought that after only a week, I would be falsely accused of cook

Before I even opened my eyes, Lucas had already blown out my birthday candles.Where I came from, there was a saying that if someone else blew out one’s birthday candles, one was bound to have bad luck.Lucas gave a slightly embarrassed smile, but there was a trace of malice in his eyes.“Sorry, the flames looked a little too big. I was worried they might burn you. That won’t bring bad luck, right…”It was a pretty lousy excuse. However, Xena and Riley rushed to reassure him.“It’s okay, we know you didn’t mean it.”“Exactly, it’s just a superstition. There’s no way you get bad luck that easily.”I did not say anything, but I did not have to. My feelings did not matter.After comforting Lucas, Xena finally cut the cake. Riley was happily enjoying the cake when he looked up and ordered me to get him a Coke from the kitchen.Lucas stood up and followed me there. I was not going to pay him any attention, but he suddenly grabbed my hand.“Does it make you happy to see your wife a

Xena’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly got up to open the door. The moment she opened it, a complaint letter was slapped right into her face.“You’ve been reported by your own husband for having a chaotic personal life, cheating, and even having a love child! Oh wait, my bad. He’s your ex-husband now. He filed for divorce on his own, and now, everyone knows just what a piece of trash you are!“You were the top candidate to be promoted to department manager. And now? You've just handed that spot to your competitor on a silver platter!”Stunned, Xena stood frozen as she shakily opened the letter in her hands. Sure enough, it was written in my handwriting. Her face turned pale, and she took a step back.“How could this happen…”Then, it was as though something clicked in her mind, and she asked urgently, “Do you know where he went?”Her supervisor looked at her with a look full of disappointment. “You’re still worried about your ex? He’s long gone. You should be worrying about

Soon after, Xena was officially reported and dismissed from her position. Along with that, she was about to lose all the benefits she had been receiving.Lucas had even reluctantly spent what little he had and bought a necklace to try to win her over. However, when he found out what was happening, his face twisted with anger, and he cursed as he stormed home.After that, he took the necklace and tried to charm other women, hoping to be supported by them. Only one woman, who was about 50 years old and known for her wild ways, took an interest in him.Lucas quickly settled into a life of being supported, but he was in unbearable pain every night.Even in the middle of summer, he wore long sleeves and pants just to hide his bruises when he went out.On the other hand, news about Xena spread fast. The only good thing was that Riley could still finish kindergarten. Riley quickly became isolated at school due to Xena being his mom.The other kids would point at him and call him names w

After that day, whenever I had time, I would go home with Chloe to visit Ellie. I ate at her place so often that I eventually started using my own salary to pitch in—buying ingredients for us. Sometimes, I would bring a new toy for Ellie. Other times, I would get a little something for Chloe. Before I knew it, I was staying over occasionally, especially when Ellie did not want me to leave. Slowly, more and more of my personal things ended up there too. There was something unspoken growing between us—a quiet connection. I had not worked up the nerve to break the silence yet. I wanted to be ready, really ready, before I said anything.That changed the day Chloe and I were out with Ellie and ran into Xena and Riley. They looked dirty and worn down, completely different from the people they used to be. It was Riley who saw me first. He ran over and suddenly shoved Ellie to the ground. “Who are you?! Why are you holding my daddy’s hand?!”Ellie was caught off guard and burst into