Chapter 5

Rodger received a first-class merit award for his "outstanding performance" in the terrorist hostage crisis.

The government held a grand "Anti-Terrorism Commendation Ceremony" in his honor.

Jolene and I were asked to attend it because she was involved in it, and I was the "family of the victim."

At the banquet, Rodger and Jolene were surrounded by reporters and officials.

He wore a crisp uniform, and his epaulettes gleamed.

Jolene clung to his arm, dressed in a designer gown, with a triumphant smile.

The media's flashbulbs constantly flickered, lauding them as "partners who stood together in the face of fire and death."

I was seated in the most inconspicuous corner, unnoticed.

Rodger took the stage to deliver his speech.

Basked in the limelight, he framed the ruthless negotiation, the choice to sacrifice his wife and his son, as a "difficult game played for more people."

He said, "As a negotiation expert, I must insist that reason must always triumph over emotion. Every life is precious. The decision was painful, but I have no regrets."

The room erupted in applause.

Sitting in the corner, I watched the radiant man on stage and suddenly recalled when Jacob first learned to walk.

He was also surrounded by many people.

Rodger tried to make him laugh and lie on the floor, pretending to be a horse, regardless of his image.

He let Jacob ride on his back and grinned from ear to ear.

He lifted Jacob high and said, "Jacob, move forward boldly. I am always behind you and support you."

Now, he stood on his son's grave and won his own fame and accolades.

During the media interview, the microphone was handed to Jolene.

"Ms. Chapman, you have experienced this event. Do you have anything to say?"

Facing the camera, Jolene shed tears at the perfect time. She looked tragically beautiful. "First, I want to thank Rodger for giving me a second chance at life. I also feel sorry for Nicole for losing Jacob. She must be heartbroken. It's a pity... She might have been too scared at the time and didn't protect Jacob immediately, leading to the tragedy."

Her words distorted truths and made my stomach churn.

Overwhelmed by nausea, I rushed to the restroom.

Bent over the sink, I dryly heaved but couldn't bring anything up.

Jolene followed me in.

She leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. She looked at my disheveled state with a sardonic smile.

She approached and whispered in a voice only she and I could hear, "You know what? Jacob died for me. It's probably the greatest value of his life. That was his honor."

As her words landed, I spun around and slapped her with all my might.

The sharp sound echoed.

Jolene didn't dodge. Instead, she threw herself back the force, landing with a theatrical flourish as the back of her head thudded against the wall.

She slid down and let out a cry of pain.

Rodger happened to walk in and witnessed the scene.

Jolene clutched her head and fell into his arms with tears welling up in her eyes. "Rodger... I just wanted to comfort Nicole, but she... she hit me..."

Rodger looked at me, and his eyes were filled with disappointment and anger.

He said coldly, "Nicole, where are your good manners? Why are you so rude? Jolene is also a victim. Jacob is gone, and she's sadder than you."

I was stunned and looked up at him. "You believe her words?"

"I only believe what I see." He interrupted me coldly. "Apologize to Jolene."

I looked at him and the woman in his arms, putting on a show. I bit my lip stubbornly.

I didn't apologize.

"Apologize to Jolene now!" Rodger's patience ran out, and his tone became stern. "Immediately. Right now!"

I still kept silent.

His gaze turned fierce. He suddenly leaned close and said in a lower voice, "Nicole, don't push me. Otherwise, you'll never see Jacob again."

The last bit of Jacob's ashes.

He knew that was my Achilles' heel.

Now, it had become his leverage to threaten me for the sake of Jolene.

My heart felt like it was riddled with sharp pangs, leaving it with countless holes.

Looking at Jolene's smug face, hidden in Rodger's embrace, I gritted my teeth and slowly bent down and bowed my head. I said, word by word, "I'm sorry."

On the way home, neither Rodger nor I spoke.

He suddenly slammed on the brakes and parked the car by the roadside.

"You didn't truly realize your mistake," he said coldly.

I remained silent.

"Get out! Reflect on your actions!" he shouted while opening the car door and pushing me out.

The black car sped away without a pause.

Soon, it rained heavily.

I walked alone on the empty road.

The rain was bone-chilling and blurred my vision.

Yet, my mind was clearer than ever.

From then on, there would be nothing left that could threaten me.