Chapter 2 - Own Misery

Ava Choi. My father crossed paths with her at a press meeting during his business trip last month. Perhaps that's where they hit it off or whatever. As much as I wanted to acquaint myself with her and find out what caught my dad's eye on her, my mind just wasn't on board.

Her life spilled onto those pages. She willingly shared the kind of life she leads. Living in a squatter area, dropping out of college, parents separated, and an older sibling struggling with drug addiction. Her life was a tragic symphony, a true embodiment of chaos.

Dad needs to be cautious about the company he keeps now. Last I checked, he wasn't like this—becoming a charitable person, willingly aiding those in need.

My emotions were still simmering from what happened to me on the street earlier. To add insult to injury, I didn't even find Ava Choi in the mansion, and only Dad welcomed me at the dining table.

"Are you really serious about that wedding? Maybe you're just caught off guard, Dad," I remarked, taking a seat reserved for me.

I glanced at him. Not even a response or a glance my way, fueling my frustration even more. The one thing I can't stand is being ignored.

"Tell me, Dad, did she do something to make you marry her? A deal between you two perhaps. What kind of deal is that?" I asked again, starting to eat.

Once more, he sat there silently consuming his meal. Firm expression, sharp eyes. His usual demeanor that I despised the most. I still recall how Mom used to complain about that expression of his.

And the day that expression softened never came, not until now.

"I'm sure money is involved in that deal. It's pretty obvious."

"Stop disrespecting the woman I'm going to marry in front of me, Megan. She's going to be your mother," he said, surprising me.

I shot him a quick glance. He didn't even look at me, keeping his attention on his food.

"A woman who's the same age as me is going to be my mother? No way. Stop this nonsense, Dad, please. If you're just punishing me for what I did at the company, you can find another way! Not like this!" I hissed.

I couldn't contain my anger. I knew he was doing this because of that, and I didn't regret it. If I hadn't done it, Mom's company, which she worked so hard for, would be in even greater danger!

Finally, his sharp gaze focused on me. His jaw tensed, and if I were closer, I was sure he would hurt me.

"I was just protecting the estate—!"

"At the cost of losing a billion worth of investors?!" he roared. I flinched at the yell, filled with anger and threat.

"Your mother would react the same way as I did if she were here because until now, her child is not thinking and still acting immature! And no, I am not doing this to punish you. I love Ava!" His voice echoed throughout the entire room.

My heartbeat slowed. Of all the things he said, that last statement grabbed my full attention. I couldn't believe it. Less than a year since Mom died. How could he do this?

Wait, did he and Ava know each other while Mom was still alive? Were they the reason Mom chose not to continue her chemotherapy?

My lips trembled. The courage I had built before coming here completely melted away.

"Y-you love her? That woman?" I uttered in disbelief.

He averted his gaze from me. "I don't need to repeat that to you."

"But what about Mom then?" I bravely asked him.

He chuckled and shook his head. "What about your mom? She's dead, Megan. I can't continue loving a dead person. Now, if you don't want to accept Ava in my life, in our life, leave this mansion."

My jaw dropped. Before I could even catch my breath, he was gone. It's as if he stopped me from feeling that pain. What did I just hear?

I couldn't eat anymore. I hastily packed some of my clothes and immediately left that cursed house. I dialed Marco's number while on the road, and he answered promptly.

"Megan—"

"Do you know something about that woman Ava Choi? They've known each other for a long time, right?" I asked him directly before he could speak.

A few minutes of silence enveloped us, and I nodded with a bitter smile.

"I knew it. I fucking knew it. They were the reason why Mom died that way."

"Megan, stop concluding things first. Where are you? I'll come to you," he said with a concerned tone.

I cursed and shook my head. I sped up my driving. I could feel my hands trembling. It felt like I was drowning in the anger I was feeling.

"Send me the files, Marco."

"What files? Where are you? Are you driving right now?"

"Just send me the damn files! I know you have files on that woman, so send them all to me. I want to know everything! I want to know if they really are the reason why Mom took her own life!" I shouted and abruptly ended the call.

I was almost in tears as I drove that night. I didn't care about the danger that could happen to me because I knew deep down that this was what I was chasing. I am chasing my death, and I don't fucking care. Once I find out everything, I won't hesitate to ruin their lives.

I quickly arrived at the resort owned by Mom. This is where she died, and I know she spends time here. I want to be with her in case I do something regrettable. At least, I can be with her if I decide to end everything here.

My phone beeped as I gazed at the stars above. When I checked, there was a text from Marco and an email from him as well.

Marco: I sent it to your mail, Megan. I know what you’re thinking right now. Just call me if you need anything. I’ll come and get you tomorrow morning.

I rolled my eyes and didn't bother replying. I immediately opened the file Marco sent to my email and started reading.

As soon as I read the date and the place where they first met and grew close, my world crumbled. This Ava Choi is my father’s mistress. Throughout Mom's year-long battle with her illness, she was also fighting to keep Dad from kicking her out of the mansion.

Unfortunately, Dad did kick her out the day Mom died. No wonder she suddenly came here. No wonder she abruptly left me. How could he do this to me?

***

I was numb as I left the resort. It was already past 4 pm, and I had no idea where to go. I'm fucking empty. It feels like I suddenly lost interest in everything. After reading those disgusting files, I don't think I can face him with the same respect I had before I left that damn mansion.

I stared into nothingness. This deep abyss suddenly seemed interesting to me. I suddenly wanted to feel weightless as I fell into it.

I couldn't accept what he was doing to me now. It was as if he was trying to take my life away from me. He was trying his best to erase me from his life. My own father is trying to undo me.

That thought seemed like a signal to me. I took another step towards the abyss, tightly gripping the necklace Mom gave me. The wind blew strongly, and my tears poured down.

I gasped and reached my limit. I closed my eyes and was ready to let myself fall when someone suddenly embraced me, causing me to stumble. I opened my eyes quickly, only to see a man trying to save me from my misery.

Unfortunately, I let go of the necklace, and it fell among the rocks in the abyss.

"Fuck! Are you trying to get yourself killed?!" he yelled in frustration, but I couldn't hear it.

"M-mommy!" I cried. "Mommy!"

"What the hell?"

"M-mommy!" I screamed again, trying to reach for the necklace.

But to my surprise, the man suddenly jumped.