Chapter 4

A few days later, during dinner, Margaret and Mr. Anderson asked me where Claire was.

They hadn't seen her in days.

I hesitated before answering: "Claire's been really busy with work."

They looked a bit suspicious but accepted the explanation.

A week later, they were in a car accident. Mr. Anderson died on impact.

Margaret was seriously injured.

Fortunately, after emergency treatment at the hospital, her life was no longer in danger.

But when she learned her husband had died, she cried hysterically and fainted several times.

I took care of her in the hospital for two weeks.

The question she asked most often was: "Where's my daughter?"

I never gave her a straight answer.

Until one day, after I helped her finish her meal, she suddenly dropped to her knees.

"Jason, ever since you married my daughter, I've treated you like my own son."

"Please, I'm begging you—tell me what happened to my daughter."

"Why can't I reach her on the phone?"

"When I asked her coworkers, they all said she quit a long time ago."

"What happened between you two?"

I quickly helped Margaret to her feet.

I couldn't hide it anymore.

I let out a long sigh and said, "Claire... she passed away from breast cancer. Her body was cremated, and her ashes were scattered at sea, just like she wanted."

"What... what?"

Margaret gasped, staring at me in shock.

I wiped my tears and explained through choked sobs.

I told her that over two weeks ago, Claire found out she had stage four breast cancer.

She didn't want her family to suffer, so she chose to bear it alone.

"Why didn't you tell us sooner?"

"Claire said to keep it secret as long as possible."

"You... you..."

Margaret was both furious and devastated. First, she learned her husband was dead. Now she learned her daughter was gone too. Under the double blow, she fainted again from grief.

When she woke up, she cried until she lost her voice.

Later, I received a text from Claire using an unknown number.

"How are my parents?"

"You didn't tell them the truth, did you?"

I smiled and replied: "Did exactly what you told me to."

"You're the best. Keep hiding it from them."

"Something happened at home. Do you want to come back?"

"I'm busy. Whatever it is, don't bother me."

"You handle it."

When I sent another message, there was no response again.

Keep enjoying yourself with Derek, Claire.

A cold smile crept across my face.

After that, Claire and I completely lost contact.

I could only occasionally catch glimpses of them having a great time through Derek's videos.

As for Margaret, after she was discharged from the hospital, she became depressed and talked to herself constantly. I could tell—she was losing her mind.

One day, she suddenly called me into her room and handed me a sealed envelope. Her eyes were red as she said, "Jason, I can't hold on much longer. I'm afraid I'll completely lose my mind. Before that happens, take this. This is everything the Anderson family owns."