“March 5th: Julian came home at dawn from work. Cooked oatmeal for him–he passed out without eating, but do it anyway.
March 10th: Julian didn’t come back. Said he’s on a business trip for days. Packed his clothes and essentials–hope he uses ‘em.
May 8th: Lily starts kindergarten senior class. Gotta up her nutrition–can’t have her falling behind. Gonna prep meals daily the last month.
June 3rd: Lily got hurt by Ophelia’s kid Liam. Might be disabled. I need to make those two pay,”
Memories came flooding back as Julian and Lily read. Both had red–rimmed eyes.
“Dad, what’s this? A pen?” Lily touched the voice recorder, accidentally pressing play. The audio made them freeze–even the assistant gaped. It was their own voices.
“Dad, was it worth making me fake a broken leg for Liam, tricking Mom into that crash just to make Aunt Ophelia happy?”
“I owe Aunt Ophelia and Liam. Your mom’s just petty–jealous over a parent kid event.”
“Totally. Mom’s lived high and mighty–she never knew Aunt Ophelia’s struggles. You should hang with them.”
“Aunt Ophelia’s so pretty in that green dress–like a prom queen. Mom dresses like a slob, it’s embarrassing,”
The recording kept playing.
“Dad, Mom’s been out four days. Those goons you sent went too far–she almost died!”
“But you want Aunt Ophelia as your mom, right?”
“Yeah! She takes me for burgers–Mom forces broccoli. And she’s gorgeous, like an angel. Mom picks me up in sweats; it’s humiliating. Everyone envies Liam when his mom gets him.”
“Soon enough. I already moved Aunt Ophelia in. You’ll see her when you get home.”
“For real? Hell yeah, burgers!”
“Keep it down! If Mom wakes up, our cover’s blown.”
“Relax–she’s knocked out, just had her IV.”
Julian dropped to his knees, stunned. “Lily… Mom knew everything. She heard all of this.” His voice cracked. “No wonder she jumped. She must’ve been so hurt, so done with us. What do we do, Lily? She hates us now.”
He grabbed the assistant’s collar: “Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Why wait till after the cremation?!”
The assistant stammered: “Sir, I saw the news by chance… You told us to ignore all her messages.”
Julian collapsed on the couch. Right–he’d made that rule. Then the recorder played a third clip.
“What’s that?” Julian frowned, listening intently.
鼻剪
Marrying Hockey God: Watching My Ex & Daughter Lose Their Minds
3.5
Chapter 8
