After mom

5

Jacob’s expression froze. He couldn’t believe it but still stubbornly said, “Mom, are you sure my mother–in–law is dead, and it’s not just Abigail ing to you?”

“I saw your mother–in–law being cremated with my own eyes. How could that be fake? Have you lost your mind to ask such a thing? No matter >w unsatisfied you are with Abigail, you shouldn’t question her about her own mother’s death! This is…”

Before Jacob’s mother could finish, his phone clattered to the ground.

He looked at me with horror in his eyes, his lips trembling. He opened his mouth but could only utter a single syllable, “I…”

“Tell your men to stop right now!”

I crawled to my mother’s grave, not caring about anything else.

The soil had been dug up, revealing a square urn with my mom’s photo on it. She was smiling at me as always.

My heart felt like it was being torn apart. I raised my hand and slapped myself twice, wishing I could die right there and join my mom.

Tears poured down my face, “Mom, I’m sorry! Your daughter is useless. I couldn’t even protect your grave. Mom, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. You can it me…”

Jacob walked towards me with heavy steps, “I’m sorry, Abby. I didn’t know…”

I pushed him away, my eyes full of hatred, “Get lost.”

He was stunned and reached out as if to wipe away my tears. I swatted his hand away and slapped him hard across the face, “Don’t touch me. I’m dirty.”

A flash of anger crossed Jacob’s eyes, but it quickly disappeared.

Emma, feeling terrible for him, started to scold me, “Abby, I understand you’re heartbroken over your mom’s death, but you can’t hit people! What did Jacob do wrong? He’s just concerned about you.”

I slapped her twice as well, “If you feel so bad for him, you can share his punishment!”

Seeing me hit his dad and his beloved Emma, Lucas charged at me like a young bull, knocking me to the ground.

This time, I didn’t coddle him. I got up, dragged him to my mom’s grave, and forced him to kneel.

“Remember this. This is your grandmother. She died because of you! Kneel here and repent!”

Lucas was terrified. He struggled and pushed me, “Dad said you’re a liar. Grandma isn’t dead. She stole Emma’s dog. You and grandma are both liars!”

Tcouldn’t hold back anymore. Ispanked him hard, “Your conscience has been eaten by dogs! Have you forgotten who stayed up day and night when you were sick? Who held you and sang lullabies all night when you were scared? Who lost a finger trying to save you? Have you forgotten all that? You and your dad are both ungrateful wretches!”

Lucas was scared out of his wits. He cried and begged, “Wah… Mom, I was wrong. Please don’t hit me anymore…

But I knew his plea was only because he was being hit, not because he realized how terribly wrong he had been or felt any remorse.

“I’m sorry, Abby. Your mother’s death is all my fault. It was my self–righteousness and distrust that led to this tragedy

doesn’t understand anything. I’ll kowtow to mom

Saying this, he fell to his knees with a thud and started kowtowing repeatedly, “Mom, I’m sorry. I know I was wrong. Please forgive me…”

Thud, thud, thud. One kowtow after another. He cried as he did it, his emotions becoming more and more intense. He truly looked like he was deeply remorseful.

Soon, there were bloodstains on the ground. His forehead was broken and covered in dirt, looking miserable and tragic.

Emma tried to pull him up, feeling heartbroken, but Jacob pushed her away, causing her to fall.

He looked at her with a coldness she had never seen before.

“My mother–in–law died a week ago, yet you showed me surveillance footage from two days ago, accusing her of stealing your dog. Emma Wilson, how much have you been lying to me?”