Only Caroline stood by me, trying to explain away my outburst.
She used to be the only light in my life—the only salvation.
But now, it's her who pushed me into the abyss.
In the office, Caroline forced a bitter smile and pulled a small ceramic ornament from her drawer.
“I made this myself,” she said softly. “It’s not as expensive as the ones in stores, but it’s from the heart. I heard Doreen is pregnant… Consider it a gift for the baby.”
Karl accepted it with a grin, his eyes glowing with satisfaction and pride.
My hand trembled without me realizing. The slight shift made the door creak.
Caroline looked up and froze when she saw me through the glass. Her expression instantly tensed.
“Victor? Why are you here?”
“Don’t misunderstand,” she added quickly, walking toward me. “Karl just got back from abroad. He stopped by to say hi—and to talk about tomorrow night’s family dinner.”
“Victor, it’s been a while,” Karl greeted, rising to his feet. He wore a freshly tailored designer suit, polished down to the cufflinks.
Next to him, I looked like a street drifter.
I smiled faintly, suppressing everything boiling beneath the surface.