“Mom, I’m begging you, please talk to Dad. He must have a solution. He’ll help us get through this tough time.”
“You’re already an adult, You can’t earn much through manual labor. Can’t we just live peacefully as a family of three?”
This wasn’t the life I envisioned for myself. Step by step, father and son drove me into despair, pretending as if they were forcing me to reconsider
I couldn’t bear it any longer.
“Jasper, he’s your father. It’s his responsibility to support you financially. Don’t pressure me to come up with a solution!”
I pushed him away and turned to leave. On my way home, tears fell despite myself.
For eighteen years, I’ve raised Jasper with great effort. The reflection in the mirror shows a face weathered by time, and even my hands have grown rough
To save money, I live in a rental apartment that’s cold in winter and hot in summer. To earn more to repay our debts, my hands are covered with chilblains in winter, and in summer, heat rashes spread all over.
My son always uses schoolwork as an excuse to stay away year–round
Looking back, what busy work was there? Why would Mr. Carter Jr. live in a place like this with me? The thought is almost laughable now.
A neighbor saw me and remarked with a smile, “Hasn’t your Jasper come back yet? You raised him so well–he’s achieved so much at such a young age. I saw him in that downtown office building a few days ago, looking so impressive”
D
11:34 AM
<
I could only manage a bitter smile before opening the door. Everyone knows Jasper’s career success is largely due to the backing of Carter Corporation. It seems I’m the only fool here.
As I looked around our home, I began to gather my things, but there wasn’t much to pack.
Just then, Jasper entered, covering his nose as if there was an unpleasant odor.
“Mom, what are you doing? Where are you planning to go?”
“Surely you wouldn’t just let your own son die, right? Mom, if you couldn’t support me, why fight for custody? What does this mean now?”
“I’m your real son. Are you trying to evade responsibility? Are you planning to run away?”
I sat on the couch, regarding him with a cold stare.
“Mr. Carter Jr., how long will you keep pretending in front of your own mother?”
“Mom. You knew all along?”
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Jasper’s frantic state took me back to when he was just a child, making his first mistake, fearing my anger.
Instead of saying I raised Jasper, it’s more fitting to say he was my steadfast companion during my toughest times. Many of my design inspirations were sparked by him. I did indulge him, but I tried not to spoil him.
Children from single–parent families tend to be more sensitive. I was always concerned about his emotional well–being and did my utmost to support him. He was diligent in his studies, never once causing me to worry. Kad
When he went to college and started dating, I reminded him that while college romances are beautiful, as a man, he should be responsible towards his partner. Every Mother’s Day, Jasper would gift me something small–rings, necklaces, or earrings. They were always silver but held his sincere intentions.
“Mom, don’t worry. When I make big money, I’ll get you fine jewelry, a big house, and a luxury car.”
I smiled at him warmly.
“People say a man forgets his mother after marriage. I don’t care if you earn a fortune. I just want you to be safe.”
“Mom, rest assured. You’ll always be number one in my heart.”
“Alright, I’ll wait for my son to succeed and treat me well, so I can enjoy life along with you.”
Memories of a loving mother and son flashed before me. But now, Jasper’s eyes seemed to burn with anger. He snatched everything from my hands and threw it to the floor.
At that moment, Griffin entered from outside.
“Dad, Mom… she’s found out everything.”
Griffin brushed the dust off his shoulder.
So what if she knows? No one can stop what I, Griffin, decide to do.
He gripped my hand harshly, staring at me with menace.
“Trying to run away like last time?”
I didn’t respond, just resisted with all my might, but he tossed me onto the sofa with disdain.
“We haven’t seen each other in years. I do miss you a bit. I don’t mind your age, so what are you unhappy about?”
12:03 PM
<
I gathered all my strength and slapped Griffin across the face.
“You’re shameless, Griffin, utterly shameless.”
“There are plenty of women waiting for me. Don’t be ungrateful!”
“Get lost. Don’t come looking for me, go find whoever you want.”
Just as I was about to break free, Jasper held me tightly.
“Mom, don’t blame me. Don’t blame me. This is what you owe me.”
I looked at Griffin and Jasper with despair, blood dripping from my mouth. What did I owe him?
“Alright, Jasper, this place is beneath us. Leave everything to Dad. Don’t worry; I won’t break my promise!”
I slumped to the floor, watching them close the door. The sudden silence pounded in my chest.
Jasper didn’t even glance back, leaving only a single sentence.
“Mom, think about me more. Do you know how long I’ve wanted a complete family?”
A complete family. It turned out, he always blamed
e for not providing one. But he knew what Griffin had done to me.
Just then, the door was kicked open, and a group of tattooed men stormed in.
They looked at me with hostility.
“So you refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit, huh? Mr. Carter told us to teach you a lesson!”
I trembled with fear, unsure of their intentions. I grabbed a fruit knife from the coffee table, waving it frantically, then quickly called Jasper. The call was repeatedly disconnected but finally connected.
