Chapter 3
TII explain for Austin,” Vera said, breaking the silence.
Courtney’s body trembled as she raised her h
hands, gesturing with sharp, angry movements. Even her sign language seemed to radiate fury. “I don’t
hpity.
need you to explain. I want him to explain.
Vera couldn’t understand sign language either, but the look in her eyes as she gazed at Courtney was filled with
Tears welled up in Courtney’s eyes. That look of pity, from both Austin and Vera, felt like a dagger stabbing into her chest.
At that moment, Courtney found herself wishing she had died in Zomlonia. If she had perished there, she wouldn’t have to endure this torment now. Her trembling fingers dropped, and she stopped resisting.
When she’d been captured by terrorists, the physical pain wasn’t enough to break her. But this–the psychological assault–felt like hell itself.
“When Mr. Anderson accepted the mission to support medical aid in Zomlonia, Austin didn’t want you to go, Vera said. “You two had just gotten married, and all he cared about was you. He didn’t want you to risk your life.”
“But you, with your so–called dreams, your so–called pursuit of peace, and your personal heroism, insisted on going. Vera’s tone tinged with accusation.
“Vera Austin raised a hand to his forehead, his voice low, urging her to stop.
But Vera pressed on, her eyes reddening. “But you just signed up and left without hesitation. Did you ever think about Austin? When news of your team’s crisis reached home, he lost it. He drank himself into oblivion every day, searching for you….
Courtney’s trembling fingers clenched as she looked at Austin. Back when she’d accepted her mentor Robert Anderson’s peacekeeping mission. Austin had supported her.
He had said, “Coun
“Courtney. I’ll support every decision you make. I’ll wait for you to come back”
Those words had been her anchor, the hope that kept her alive through everything she endured.
“I’ll admit it,” Vera went on. “The way I got Austin wasn’t exactly honorable, but I don’t regret it. I love him. I have his child.”
“I don’t care if he still loves you because I know that one day, he’ll love me” She stood tall, the posture of a victor. I insisted on giving birth to his child. I stayed by his side during his darkest days
*I’m the one who comforted him, who moved him, and that’s why he agreed to be with me–to give our child a complete family.” Vera picked up her daughter, showing her off like a trophy.
[How old are you?] Courtney wrote on a piece of paper, directing her question to the little girl.
“Five,” the girl replied, her voice clear and confident.
Courtney stared at her with numb
numb eyes.
- s. The kid was five years old, which meant Austin had cheated on Courtney before she left for South Weidan.
In that moment, the so–called love Austin had promised her felt utterly worthless,
[This is my home.] Courtney held the pen tightly, writing the words on paper.
“I know this house was bought by you and Austin together, but there’s no choice, Courtney. You have to accept reality,” said Vera, “I’ll return the money you contributed to the house to you.”
“But now, I’m Austin’s wife, I hope you can understand and let us move
ove on.” She spoke directly, urging Courtney to take the initiative to dissolve her marriage with Austin.
“We’ve packed all your belongings and moved them to the basement. If you need anything, you can find it there,” Vera added before carrying her child and heading back to the room.
Courtney stood at the doorway, feeling an overwhelming numbness that dulled her pain.
Once, the living room had been filled with photos of her and Austin, snapshots of their youth and shared memories.
Now, those photos were gone, replaced by pictures of Austin with Vera and their daughter, alongside scattered toys.
Austin had always been a meticulous man, obsessed with cleanliness and order. Everything in their home used to be spotless. But now, the scattered toys and clothes showed that his aversion to mess wasn’t absolute–it simply depended on the person creating it.
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Chapter 3
Vera had said so much, and Austin hadn’t refuted a single word. It was clear he was simply using Vera’s words to express what he had long been thinking.
“Come inside, Austin said softly, avoiding Courtney’s eyes.
take me back to Serene Cove?
parents.
Courtney didn’t move. She looked down and wrote: [No, Austin. I want to go home. If you’re free, could you
Serene Cove was her parents‘ home. Courtney thought to herself that, though she had lost her husband, at least she still had her
Austin’s hand froze mid–motion, gripping the doorframe tightly. His head hung low, and his eyes turned red. “Courtney, I’m sorry”
Courtney felt entirely numb, staring blankly at Austin, unsure of what was happening. She didn’t understand why the police seemed hesitant to say something, or why Austin hesitated to tell her directly.
“Your parents” Austin began his voice trembling. They passed away…
away… the year aft
floor.
year after your incident. His head remained down as tears fell to the
Courtney was stunned. her vision darkening as shock washed over her. At that moment, it felt as if she’d been struck by a bomb, the pain reverberating through her soul and tearing through every fiber of her being.
[What happened!] Courtney’s hands shook as she hurriedly scribbled the question
She couldn’t believe it. Her parents were in excellent health, and she was their only child. They were both officials who had only a few years left
until retirement.
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