Chapter 4

This was the first time I regretted ever loving Sharon. I expected her to snap back at me, to scorn my words and say something about not caring for my love. Instead, she simply looked at me in silence, murmuring to herself, "How strange… I’ve avenged Wesley, yet why don’t I feel any satisfaction from it?" Hearing that, I didn’t believe she was regretting what she’d done to me. She probably just thought five years was too lenient. After all, she wanted me to rot in prison forever. Perhaps there was a small trace of guilt for causing Dad’s death. … Five years later, the sun was scorching as the heavy iron doors slowly swung open from the inside. "0973, you’re free now. From today, live a good life and don’t go down the wrong path again." I forced a smile. The only wrong path I’d ever walked was falling in love with Sharon. Mom was waiting at the prison gates. The moment she saw me, she rushed over and wrapped her arms around me. Because of Sharon's special orders, I had been placed in a cell with the most ruthless of criminals. I had been tortured and beaten for years. As Mom held me, she could only feel the hard bones underneath my clothes. She wept in distress. "How did you get so thin? It’s okay. Once we get home, I’ll make you some food and help you regain your strength." I hugged her tightly, my voice rough as I replied, "Alright." I felt like a lost child who had finally found his home. My eyes reddened with emotion. Mom gently wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes. "I know, Wesley's death had nothing to do with you. You’ve done nothing but treat him kindly. A good person like you could never have driven him to death." The tears I had been holding back for so long burst uncontrollably. Mom was the only person left in this world who believed in me. Back then, when it was discovered that Wesley was not the biological son of the Leroy family and I was found and brought home, everything changed. Nevertheless, even after reclaiming my rightful place, I didn’t let it go to my head. I remained humble and kept a low profile. Wesley, on the other hand, saw me as the one who had ruined his perfect life. He constantly schemed against me in secret. Mom knew about it and tried to punish and warn him more than once. However, Wesley’s stubbornness only grew, and his actions became more extreme. Yet, he always managed to feign innocence in front of Sharon. Having lost her parents at a young age, Sharon was adopted by my family. She grew up with Wesley, and over time, they developed feelings for each other. Even though I fell in love with Sharon at first sight, I had no intention of ruining their relationship. I could tell Sharon didn’t love me. I had wanted to step aside and wish them happiness, but Mom had other plans. She saw through Wesley's facade and believed that only I could give Sharon true happiness. She genuinely wanted the best for Sharon, but in the end, all she received was endless hatred. "Mom, thank you for always believing in me." I hugged her tighter but not too hard, worried that my frail bones might hurt her. Her voice choked with tears as she responded, "Silly child, what are you talking about? I’m your mother. If I don’t believe in you, who will? "Come on, let’s go home. I’ll make chicken soup for you." When we got back, I learned that after Sharon had caused Leroy Group's bankruptcy, Mom had moved to a small rental house on the outskirts and lived alone for years. She had been pampered her entire life, but now, her hands were rough with callouses. I held her hands in mine, hating myself for not being able to protect my family. I also hated that, because of me, Dad had died a tragic death, the company had collapsed, and Mom had been forced to endure so much suffering.