Chapter 10
Jason’s smile vanished.]
Without warning, he struck me across the face with such force that the chair nearly toppled over.
My cheek burned with pain, and I tasted blood in my mouth.[]
“You think I’m negotiating with you?” He grabbed my hair, forcing me to look at him. “Either you sign today, or…” his gaze shifted to Michael, “…I’ll make you watch your husband die right in front of you.“[]
I looked at Michael, whose face had gone pale, but who shook his head slightly.[]
I understood his message–don’t give in.[]
But seeing the madness in Jason’s eyes, I knew he wasn’t bluffing.]
“I… I’need to see the agreement…” I said with difficulty, trying to buy time.[]
Jason grinned and pulled out some crumpled papers from his pocket.[]
“Already prepared. Just sign it, add your fingerprint, and I’ll let you both go immediately.“[]
He untied my right hand and shoved a pen into it.[]
As I pretended to read the document, I suddenly heard police sirens in the distance.[]
Jason’s expression changed dramatically. “You called the police?” He glared at Michael furiously. “It was you!“]
That’s when I noticed Michael’s smartwatch still on his left wrist–he must have activated the emergency alert function before losing consciousness![]
Jason raised his knife and charged toward Michael in a rage.[]
I found strength I didn’t know I had, broke free from my remaining restraints and lunged at Jason, but he kicked me away. My head slammed hard against a metal workbench, and everything went dark…]
In my daze, I heard doors breaking, shouting, and then a deafening gunshot.]
Then came chaotic footsteps and radio static.[]
“Emma! Emma!” Michael’s voice seemed to come from far away.]]]
I forced my eyes open to see my husband’s blood–smeared face.[]
He had somehow freed himself and was kneeling beside me.[]
In the distance, several police officers formed a circle around a human shape on the floor…]
“Jason…?” I asked weakly.[]
Chapter 10
Michael held me tightly. “Don’t look… the ambulance is coming…”
Later I learned that when police arrived, Jason had resisted arrest with his knife and was shot dead the scene.
Michael and I were taken to the hospital. I stayed for two weeks with a concussion and minor internal bleeding, while Michael, with less severe injuries, was discharged after one week.[]
In my hospital bed, I often dreamed of Jason as a child.[]
Back then, he would follow me around, calling “Sister” in his childish voice, saving the last piece of candy for me… I couldn’t pinpoint when that sweet little brother had transformed into a monster consumed by greed.]]
The day I was discharged, the sun shone brightly.[]
Michael supported me as we slowly walked out of the hospital doors. A gentle breeze caressed my face, carrying the scent of early spring.
“Let’s visit Mom,” I said.[]
Michael nodded, holding my hand tightly.[]
At Mother’s grave, I placed a fresh bouquet of white chrysanthemums. This time, I didn’t cry.]]
“Mom, I forgive him… and please forgive me too…“[]
Michael stood behind me, his hand resting gently on my shoulder.[]
I knew that no matter what storms life brought, this man would always remain by my side.[]
the Mine
As we left the cemetery, I noticed a butterfly perched on a wildflower, its wings shimmering with a faint but beautiful light in the sunshine. Like life itself–despite its pain, there is always beauty worth cherishing.]
“Let’s go home,” I said to Michael, squeezing his hand.
In the sunlight, our shadows merged into one–long and warm.[]
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