15
Over a decade ago, on the night Julian Vance left with Ashley Hayes, I received a call from her. She told me something. The Liam Vance who existed now was not my true child. The baby I had carried for ten months, endured difficult labor for, and birthed throu- gh clenched teeth, had been stillborn. Julian, selfish as he was, feared I would completely lose the will to live, so he brought home
an abandoned infant. He painted a picture of peace, letting me be bound by this child, willingly trapped in shackles.
Ashley’s voice on the phone was soft, like a late–night radio host I used to listen to for insomnia. “The night I first came back, Julian was happy. He drank too much.” Her voice grew colder. “He told me Liam wasn’t your child.” At the end of the call, Ashley mocked me with a triumphant tone. “Cassidy Martin, you cherished him with all your heart for so many years. So foolish, so pathetic.” She chuckled “What’s the point of you living anymore? If I were you, I would have gone to join them already.”
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Over a decade ago, on the night Julian Vance left with Ashley Hayes, I received a call from her. She told me something. The Liam Vance who existed now was ‘not my true child. The baby I had carried for ten months, endured difficult labor for, and birthed throu- gh clenched teeth, had been stillborn. Julian, selfish as he was, feared I would completely lose the will to live, so he brought home an abandoned infant. He painted a picture of peace, letting me be bound by this child, willingly trapped in shackles.
Ashley’s voice on the phone was soft, like a late–night radio host I used to listen to for insomnia. “The night I first came back, Julian was happy. He drank too much.” Her voice grew colder. “He told me Liam wasn’t your child.” At the end of the call, Ashley mocked me with a triumphant tone. “Cassidy Martin, you cherished him with all your heart for so many years. So foolish, so pathetic.” She chuckled. “What’s the point of you living anymore? If I were you, I would have gone to join them already.”
In that moment, all the shackles that had bound me vanished. I thought to myself: I must live for myself. This was my mother’s dying wish. I shouldn’t defy it.
The private room was quiet enough to hear a pin drop. Julian had already left. Liam was still kneeling on the floor, muttering, “Imp- ossible, impossible.” Julian called him again: “Liam, come with me.” Liam gave me one last complex look, then rushed out.
The dishes on the table hadn’t been touched. I decided to quietly enjoy them alone. This place lived up to its reputation; every dish was delicious.
As I left the club, a news alert popped up on my phone. [Deeply Devoted CEO Mr. Vance and Son Involved in Car Accident, Rushed to Hospital.] I looked at it coldly and chose to clear the notification. Later that evening, I received a second one. [Mr. Vance and Son Critically Injured, Confirmed Deceased at Hospital.]
I felt utterly light. How wonderful. Those who deserved to die were finally gone. I stood up, turned on the music, and poured myself a glass of red wine. The roses on the balcony were in full bloom. I thought to myself: From tonight on, I would sleep soundly, every single night.
