Today was the sixth anniversary of my marriage with Shirley Lampson, and the fifth birthday of our eldest son, Jaden Lupton.

Our family had agreed to spend an unforgettable day on vacation.

Unexpectedly, after sending us up the mountain, Shirley left without a word of goodbye and took the only medicine bag capable of alleviating Jaden's asthma.

I was so anxious that I attempted to reach out to her assistant, David Raines, but neither the helicopter nor the motorcade could proceed without her explicit instructions.

After watching my son die, I finally got in touch with her.

However, she was so intoxicated that she didn't hear me at all. On the contrary, the individual beside her was brimming with energy, and his words resonated with the joy of reunion.

"Malcolm Lupton, lighten up a bit. I've just touched down in the country today. I trust you won't mind if Shirley and I grab a bite to eat together."

I beamed a smile and embraced Jaden tightly.

"Of course, I don't mind because my marriage with Shirley is over. Congratulations."

1.

After going down the mountain, I hid alone to deal with Jaden's funeral matters.

Meanwhile, Shirley and Easton Shelton's Instagram feed constantly buzzed with updates. They seemed to be at bars or parties daily, living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment.

My mother called Shirley countless times during this period, but to no avail. All she could do was curse at the phone.

"This woman is too cruel!"

Seven days later, I brought Jaden's urn back to my house in Boston and coincidentally encountered her there.

Not only her but also Easton was there.

Upon seeing my dirty face, Easton couldn't suppress the sarcasm that curled at the corner of his mouth.

"Malcolm, where have you been these days? I've tried calling you many times today, but you haven't picked up!"

Listening to her slightly coquettish complaints, the sarcasm in my heart intensified. I didn't even want to look at her. I walked past them and went straight upstairs.

Today, I was packing my bags and bidding farewell. This opulent abode was never meant for someone as humble as me. I overstepped my bounds.

But she refused to accept my indifference. She grabbed my hand, almost knocking down the urn and saying, "Malcolm, what are you doing?"

Even now, she still refused to confront her question directly. Instead, she questioned me.

I was so angry that I laughed. "Why haven't you answered my mother's calls for so many days?"

Shirley frowned, took a broken mobile phone from her bag, and said, "My mobile phone is broken. After I picked up Easton that day, I lost my phone in a bet during our late-night gaming session."

She has a playful nature, but her frivolous pursuit of fun ultimately cost my son his life!

"There's no need to be angry?" said Shirley.

Maybe noticing my face getting increasingly livid, Shirley shook my arm falteringly. "It's just that I didn't get a call. I'll apologize to your mom in person on another day."

At that moment, I abruptly noticed that her Phoebe bracelet sported several cracks, looking suspiciously like they had been deliberately inflicted.

Furious, I grabbed her wrist and said, "Why is the bracelet broken?"

To safeguard her safety and well-being, I embarked on three arduous ascents of the Myriad-step Mountain, accompanied by countless humble kneelings outside the master's abode, ultimately securing the exquisite material for crafting this bracelet.

The bracelet's intricate shape was meticulously carved, knife in hand, by Jaden and myself.

Shirley was born rich and beautiful. She didn't have to worry about food, drink, or clothes. Hence, anything I present her with risks being perceived as trite and commonplace. That's why I strive to curate gifts that resonate deeply, imbued with thoughtfulness and sentimentality.

To make this complicated bracelet, the wound on my hand had not fully healed after a year. It would still hurt when it touched the water.

When Shirley received it, she was delighted and said she would keep it for the rest of her life.

But now she just raised her hand and said lightly, "I drank too much yesterday. When I shook dice with Easton, I accidentally hit the table's edge and broke a little. It shouldn't be a problem, right? Don't make a big deal out of nothing."

"This is what Jaden and I made ourselves," answered me.

Hearing this, Easton interrupted, "Isn't it enough that the sentiment is there? How much can a cheap bracelet be worth?"

Shirley patted me on the shoulder and said, "That's right. At worst, I'll ask someone to bring some Phoebe wood for you and Jaden to play with."

She clearly understood the significance of this bracelet, yet she treated our heartfelt intention as mere entertainment and equated it with casual handicrafts.

"That's right. Perhaps I am no different from a fun maker in her heart." I thought.

After six years of marriage, this marked our first joint celebration of our wedding anniversary and the first birthday Jaden spent with her since his return. Disappointingly, she displayed little enthusiasm for the special occasions and was even prepared to abandon them at a moment's notice simply because of a phone call from someone else.

To her, Easton was more than just a friend.

But as a mother, she overlooked Jaden's fragile health and brought him to the top of a mountain filled with allergens. When she left, she didn't leave the emergency kit for Jaden.

I could do nothing but watch our son die in front of me.

My mother had been advising me for a long time not to send Jaden to Boston. Even though he could potentially receive a superior education there, Shirley didn't prioritize his well-being or education as much.

At that time, I laughed at my mother and said that Shirley was Jaden's biological mother. How could she be so cruel? Now that I thought about it, it was my fault!

"Thank you very much."

I shook off her hand and was about to go upstairs with an expressionless face. She got angry when she saw me being so indifferent.

"Why are you so indifferent to me today? Did I offend you?"

"And, where's Jaden?"

I suddenly stopped.

It was ridiculous. This was the first time Shirley took the initiative to care about Jaden after he died.

I recall that day vividly, standing atop the mountain, as I consoled him, saying, "How on earth could Mom miss your birthday party? Mom loves you more than anything. She must be planning something special, a big surprise for you!"

Unexpectedly, it was a big "surprise"!

"Late love from a mother is worth less than dirt," I sneered bitterly. "Do you even recall Jaden? I'd begun to think you'd given up on him as your son long ago!"

Stunned, Shirley immediately retorted, "He's my son. What are you talking about!"

"I see. You're still angry, aren't you? Are you blaming me for leaving without saying goodbye that day?"

"But you know, Easton has just returned from abroad. We hadn't seen each other for many years, and to help me transport a batch of goods, he was seriously injured outside. I can't leave him alone, can I?"

Shirley shook my arm, tilted her head, and said, "You can understand me, right?"

A long time ago, I repeatedly compromised my principles and lowered my standards, goaded on by her display of vulnerability.

However, my concession resulted in Jaden's cold corpse lying in my arms.

I didn't dare to gamble anymore.

I gently brushed her hand away and said calmly, "Shirley, let's get a divorce."

She obviously didn't expect that I would say that. Her pupils dilated in shock, and my image was reflected in them.

"Malcolm, is it necessary? Are you willing to divorce me?" She said.

"Right, we're getting a divorce."

2.

Shirley took a deep breath and said, "If we divorce, what will Jaden do?"

"Can you raise him well? Can you give him an excellent education? Let me tell you, your mother won't agree."

"Malcolm, don't mess up your peaceful life, okay?"

Seeing that I was silent, Shirley frowned. "Why don't you call Jaden and let him decide."

"Jaden won't come," I answered.

Upon hearing Jaden's name, a lump arose in my throat unexpectedly, and my jaw tightened instinctively as though trying to restrain a surge of emotions.

However, Shirley suddenly became agitated. "What do you mean Jaden won't come?"

"Where did you take Jaden? Will you vent your anger on him about what happened between you and me?"

Shirley snorted. "Don't think I'll let you go just because you threatened me with Jaden. I have my freedom and social circle. Malcolm, you won't understand!"

I gazed intently at her exquisite features as if seeing her anew. Despite caring for Jaden for countless years, I felt a thousandfold more accountable than she ever had in the role of a mother.

But from what she said, did she think that I would attack Jaden and use him to threaten her?

It was so ridiculous.

People in her circle can only commit such a despicable act, and I disdain even to consider it!

"Malcolm, don't torture Shirley like this. Hand over, Jaden!"

Easton's words were cruel as if his son was lost.

Upon hearing this, Shirley was naturally profoundly moved. Thinking of our son, tears rolled down her cheeks. She said, "Malcolm, give Jaden back to me."

They echoed each other as if I had done something heinous.

Thinking of this, I couldn't help sneering. "What if I say no."

When I finished speaking, Easton rushed forward and grabbed my collar. "Repeat it!"

"Don't be like this, Easton!" Shirley hugged his arm.

The scene immediately became chaotic, but it was evident that Shirley was on his side.

I stumbled from the push. The small jar in my hand swayed, and the lid almost flew off.

While the two weren't paying attention, I tried to protect it. Rage burned in my chest.

If it weren't for Jaden's wish to have his final resting place here with Shirley, I wouldn't have returned his ashes.

"There's something I've been hiding in my heart for a long time." Easton pointed at me. "Shirley, do you think a coward like Malcolm is really suitable for you?"

"Your son has the same surname as him? Why? Does Malcolm have any assets?"

Easton's lips curled in disdain. "A useless man that emerged from a gutter. If he desires a divorce, why not just let him go?"

When I looked at Shirley again, it was as if she had been persuaded. She was sizing me up as well.

It was ridiculous that I entered the National Defense base after graduating. Without her pleading, I wouldn't have given up my career and gone to her company to be closer to her.

But now, she allowed her friend to call me a useless man?

It was ridiculous!

"It's not that I can't live if I leave Shirley!" I thought.

Easton's shouting continued. "Malcolm, are you mute? If you want a divorce, get divorced as soon as possible. Don't get close to Shirley in the future, or I'll hit you every time I see you!"