“Lily, don’t worry. Daddy’s home. I’ll get
justice for you!”
She gave a bitter laugh, her eyes filled with despair.
“It’s useless. I’ve dreamed of divorcing him but no lawyer will take my case. Even the police are in cahoots with them.”
“He uses technology to track me. No matter where I go, he’ll find me.”
“Every time I think I’m free, he hunts me down like a cat and mouse.”
“Dad, I don’t want to live anymore…”
I felt a wrenching pain. I stroked her head, like I used to when she was a little girl. After putting her to sleep, I went to the hospital administrator’s office.
I needed Lily’s medical report to sue Mark.
L
The administrator’s words crushed me.
“Domestic violence… it takes two to tango. If
she wasn’t at fault, why would Mark hit her?”
I was furious. Domestic violence is domestic
violence. Who was Mark to hit anyone?
He waved dismissively. “Mark’s uncle is a
judge. What can you do?”
He threatened to stop Lily’s treatment if I pressed charges. The hospital would help cover medical costs if I dropped it.
“Mark’s already talked to us. Cause trouble, and your daughter will suffer. Don’t blame us if something happens.”
Rage and despair warred within me. I
wouldn’t give up.
He laughed mockingly. “Your son–in–law is a
lawyer, with connections. You have nothing!”
CE
<
“Give up. He’s been good to her. He gave her
a home. Keep pushing, and she’ll be
finished!”
My knuckles whitened, blood welling under
my nails. Should we be grateful to him for beating her to a pulp?
I refused to believe there was nowhere for justice. Then, a nurse screamed:
“It’s not good! The patient tried to kill herself!”
3
My mind went blank. I stumbled to the ward. Watching them resuscitate Lily, my heart shattered.
She’d lost her mother as a baby. We were inseparable. She was my everything.
Ten years ago, the gang leader had assaulted
har
I killed him and arinnlad the atharn to
<
her. I killed him and crippled the others to
protect her. I turned myself in.
I should have been released six months ago, but they gave me time off for good behavior. I’d hidden my past from Lily, pretending to work away from home in my letters.
For ten years, I’d yearned for this reunion. Now, would I lose her?
After two agonizing hours, Lily was revived. I
felt numb, my legs weak. Then the doctor spoke.
“She’s severely depressed; another suicide attempt is possible.”
I saw Lily’s bright, innocent face in my mind. Mark had driven her to this!
I went to the police, but their answer froze
- me.
く
The officer glanced at the report, looking.
