Eyes burning, I carried him on my back and rushed over—only to find her and Derek, father and son, enjoying themselves like a happy family.
My son's face went pale. In my arms, he slowly stopped breathing.
I drank the rat poison I'd bought long ago, crying the whole time.
Before I died, I thought: if there is a next life, I will never again hope for a woman's true heart—only that my son can live safely for a lifetime.
When I woke from the dream, my pillow was soaked through with tears.
My son had already been sent to school. I hurriedly got out of bed and rushed to the Art Troupe.
Today was an important day—the principal position would be decided.
When the results came out, everyone was shocked.
The position went to Derek, someone who had never practiced.
The corner of his mouth hooked into a smug arc. "Sorry, brother-in-law. I was bored staying at home, and Jasmine wanted me to get out more, so she donated fifty pounds of rice, flour, and oil to the troupe..."
"Pah! So what if you're a nepotism hire! Alex's ability leaves you in the dust!"
A close friend beside me wanted to stand up for me, but I pulled him back.
I was so calm it surprised everyone.
"Is that so? Congratulations, then."