Chapter 2
The whole drive, I just stared at that small box on the dashboard–Kevin’s first gift to n me.D
side were two tiny figures of us hugging–he’d spent weeks carving them by hand |
Back then he wasn’t some hotshot CEO, just a lonely, awkward kid in my mom’s class ||
Kevin’s parents died in a car crash. His relatives swooped in like vultures and took all the insurance money, leaving him broke and unable to pay tuition.[]
Mom felt sorry for him and used our family savings to help him out. She even let him move in with us.[]
During the darkest days of his life, I stayed by his side–cheering him up, telling jokes, helping him study, doing everything I could to keep him going.
Later, Kevin got his shit together. We went to the same college, and after graduation he started his own company
The day his company went public, he finally worked up the nerve to propose. Along with a bunch of expensive gifts, he gave me this handmade small carving
I remember that day–he dropped to one knee in front of everyone, his voice all emotional and sure:
“Rachel, I know you don’t like
‘t like those flas
I
flashy gifts. I got you them because I want you to have everything other women have.”
“But this carving–I made it ages ago but never had the guts to give it to you. It’s worthless to anyone else, but it shows how much I love you.
“Now I’ll give you everything–comfort, love, and all of me. Just you. We’ll take care
e of your mom together. We’re a family, and
nothing will ever break us apart.”
But he didn’t keep that promise.
He fell for our part–time babysitter, Lillian Valois.
Even when she was clumsy as hell, spilling scalding water on my hands or “accidentally knocking Sophie over.
“Come on, Rachel, Lillian’s young–she doesn’t mean it. Besides, Sophie’s too delicate anyway. A little rough play will toughen her up.”
“Lillian just working part–time to pay for school, just like you used to. You know what it’s like to struggle–don’t make it harder for her.”
At the funeral home, Kevin gave me one
ne last
warning before dragging me inside.
But when we reached Sophie’s memorial, I froze in complete shock
All the white funeral banners had been swapped out for colorful flowers, like it was a fucking party. [
The speakers were blasting “Happy” by Pharrell, making everyone stare.
Lillian was smiling–sitting on my daughter’s corpse, ruining her face with lipstick like it was a game.]
“What the hell are you doing?!“]
I went ballistic, kicking over the speakers and yanking Lillian off my daughter.
Lillian was wearing heels and stumbled, twisting her ankle as she fell backward ||
Kevin caught her and glared at me with pure rage: [
“Rachel! Did you even hear a damn word I said? And you hit Lillian?! Apologize. Now!”
“Kevin, open your damn eyes! This is my daughter’s funeral, and this psycho turned it into a party! She defiled my daughter’s body, played that disgusting music–what, is she celebrating her death?!”
I screamed, my eyes burning with tears.
Even Kevin seemed to realize something was out of line, but Lillian immediately started crying:
“Ms. Flores, you’re always too busy with work to pay attention to Sophie. Only I–knew she loved the bright color and the song ‘Happy‘
“Sophie loved playing dress–up with me. I know she could be a handful, but she’s gone now. I wanted her to be happy. You can’t force your boring old–school ideas on a kid, right?”
me coldly.
Kevin looked at me
“You heard her. Lillian actually cared about Sophie, unlike her ice cold mother. You’re being ungrateful. Apologize. Right fucking no!“]
I almost laughed. Me? Ice–cold? Not caring about Sophie?]
Sure, work was crazy, but I did everything for Sophie since day one. I nearly collapsed from exhaustion juggling Kevin’s business and raising her alone.[]
And Kevin? He never changed one diaper. Always “too busy with work” What right did he have to say that shit?!||
I pointed at Lillian, furious:
“You fucking homewrecker! SHUT THE FUCK UP! You stuffed my daughter in a trunk and let her suffocate! Now you’re trashing her memory and and desecrating her body. Karma’s gonna get you!
A crowd was forming around us.
Lillian pouted: “Ms. Flores, I was trying to be nice, but you’re calling me a child abuser? Where’s your proof
Yeah. Kevin had already destroyed the evidence…
1
Seeing my helpless expression, she flashed a triumphant smile and pulled out her phone:
“But I’ve got videos of you ignoring Sophie. Poor kid crying for mommy while I comforted her. Wanna see?”
