For His First Love, My Husband Killed My Mother

"That Juliana... She has no manners at all. She’s really not worthy of Jacob."

"A woman like her will ruin three generations."

"Jealous, paranoid, stirring up chaos at home. I really don’t know how Jacob puts up with her—poor man."

"If she can get violent at her own mother’s funeral, imagine what she’s like on a normal day!"

I couldn’t defend myself. Tears welled in my eyes as I silently tidied up my mother’s memorial table.

At some point, Jacob had come to stand behind me.

"Juli, I spoke too harshly earlier. I came to apologize."

I turned around and stared at him.

His voice was gentle, but his expression was cold—completely devoid of warmth.

Sure enough, he added, "But you went too far with Wendy."

"No matter what, she was a guest."

"Do you know how many rumors are spreading right now? They’re all against you."

"I’ve been trying to explain things for you, but it’s not working. Listen, if you come with me and apologize to Wendy, she’ll clear things up. That way, your reputation won't be ruined."

A bitter laugh escaped my lips, and I replied sarcastically, "I won’t apologize. I don’t need that kind of reputation."

Jacob’s patience wore thin. His face darkened as he stepped closer, his voice dropping into a low growl.

"You made a mistake. You should own up to it. Don’t you think you owe Wendy an apology? Juliana, when did you become so shameless?"

I closed my eyes, letting the tears slip down my cheeks.

Jacob had always been gentle to me. He had never spoken to me like this before. But today, he had lashed out at me twice.

Both times—because of Wendy.

I opened my eyes, my vision blurred by tears.

Jacob’s face was hazy, out of focus.

Then again, had I ever truly seen him clearly?

My voice trembled. "Jacob, did you really never find out who blinded my mother?"

He stiffened for a moment before shaking his head firmly. "There were no leads. And now that she’s gone, what’s the point of bringing it up?"

A hollow, bitter smile spread across my lips.

Jacob didn’t care what I was thinking. He grabbed my wrist and dragged me into another room.

"Wendy, Juli is here to apologize," he announced.

I looked around. The guests were all there.

Every pair of eyes watched me with interest.

Jacob leaned in and whispered, "I gathered everyone here to clear your name."

Clear my name? Or force me to bow my head in front of everyone—so I could "compensate" Wendy for her supposed grievances?

Jacob gave me a slight push, forcing me toward her. "Go on. Apologize."

I said nothing.

Wendy, playing the magnanimous victim, smiled gently. "There’s no need for an apology. I understand. Juliana is going through a difficult time."

Someone started clapping. Soon after, the entire room was filled with applause.

Under the cover of the noise, Wendy leaned in and whispered so only I could hear.

"Juliana, do you know why your mother was blinded?"

"Maybe it was because you stole someone else's happiness."

"Do you really think you deserve Jacob?"

A deafening roar filled my head.

Without thinking, I grabbed the nearest object and hurled it at her face.

I couldn’t hear anything.

I couldn’t see anything.

All I could think about was my mother’s muffled sobs in the dead of night—the sound of her pain after she had been hurt.

By the time someone pulled me away, Wendy’s face was already swollen.