Chapter 3

3

The next morning, I made breakfast like I always did.

I was heading to Liam's room with a glass of milk when the door swung open. The milk splashed all over someone.

I reached out to help, but they pulled away. I froze. When did Quentin get here?

Jocelyn came running out, pushing me aside to check on Quentin. "Are you burnt? Are you okay?"

Liam appeared out of nowhere and started hitting my arms. "You're mean, Logan! Uncle Quentin is already hurt, and you tried to burn him!"

My heart ached as I watched them fuss over him. "It was an accident..."

"Stop lying!" Liam yelled.

Quentin reached out and patted Liam's hair. "It's okay, buddy. It doesn't hurt."

Jocelyn's eyes were cold as ice. "Don't defend him, Quentin. I know exactly what kind of man he is."

I poured the rest of the milk onto the floor and looked at my wife and my son. They treated me like a villain just to comfort a stranger.

"Jocelyn, when I suggested we stay together for Liam, you didn't say no. For seven years, I've given you everything. Why do you treat me like trash for this man?"

I looked down at Liam. "I cared for you because you're my brother's blood. I did everything for you to make up for the father you lost. And this is how you repay me?"

Tears were streaming down my face. I couldn't stop them.

I thought they might feel a shred of guilt, but Jocelyn's expression didn't change. "Logan, stop acting like a child. You're embarrassing yourself in front of Quentin."

Quentin looked awkward. "Jocelyn and I are just friends, Logan. Don't get the wrong idea."

Liam stepped in front of Quentin, protecting him. "You should be ashamed! Do you know how much I get teased at school because my dad is a stay-at-home loser?"

"They call you a coward who lives off a woman. They say I'm going to grow up to be a pathetic gold-digger just like you!"

I had held Liam in my arms since the day he was born. In all these years, he never once called me Dad.

He was just like his mother. He only ever called me by my name.

I had been running a fever since the graveyard incident. My body was exhausted, but no one asked if I was okay.

Watching them, I felt the last string of my heart finally snap.

After Quentin left, I watched them eat the breakfast I had spent an hour making. I knew it would be the last time.

I stood in the doorway and gathered my courage. "Jocelyn, I'm leaving."

She didn't even look up. "Leaving? Where? What about your mother? What about the family? You're so selfish, Logan."

"If you wanted to leave, why did you beg me to be with you seven years ago? Now that your brother is gone, you're just going to dump us? Think about my reputation!"

Suddenly, my knees hit the floor. I knelt before her and bowed my head to the ground.

"I'm sorry. This first bow is for my brother. I promised to take care of you, and I've failed."

I bowed a second time. "The second bow is for being a failure of a husband. I've caused you shame and let Liam be mocked at school. I was useless."

I bowed a third time. "The third bow is to wish you well. From now on, we go our separate ways. I hope you find happiness."