This Life, Well Lived

1
To test my loyalty, my wife, Seraphina, hid her identity as a billionaire heiress for three years.
The year our son was born, she came back into my life, revealing who she truly was. But just as she did, our son, Noah, was struck by a sudden illness that required a fortune to treat.
Thats when her first love, Julian, reappeared, accusing me of being a gold-digging social climber.
Seraphina, hes only after your money. How else do you explain the timing? The moment you reveal your identity, the child suddenly needs a massive amount of cash?
The look my wife gave me turned to one of pure contempt.
That night, a group of men snatched our son. Right in front of me, they stuffed him into a burlap sack and began beating him with clubs.
Just then, Seraphina emerged from a nearby luxury car, arm-in-arm with Julian, a cold smile on her face.
Leo, you love money so much, so Ill give you some! You said he would protect you? Lets see how much your precious mutt is worth!
I crawled to their feet, clutching their pant legs, begging Seraphina to spare him, reminding her that she was his mother too.
She looked down at me with icy detachment. Enough. Its just a dog. Stop the theatrics.
I stared blankly at the woman before memy childs mother.
The sheer, crushing pain made my mind grind to a halt. I could almost hear the creak and groan of gears inside my head, like a machine on the verge of breakdown. It took a long moment for her words to register.
What did you say? What dog?
My question only intensified the scorn on her face. I said, its just a dog. Even if youve had it for years, you cant possibly treat a dog like its your actual son, can you?
Seraphina thought the thing in the sack was my pet dog, Buddy.
The misunderstanding hit me like a physical blow. My lips trembled as I scrambled to explain. Seraphina, thats not Buddy in the sack! Buddy ran away a few days ago! Thats our son, Noah! Thats Noah!
Please, get him to a hospital! He might still be alive!
I scrambled on all fours, trying to snatch the sack from the men to prove I was telling the truth.
Seeing my bloodless face and a desperation she had never witnessed before, a flicker of unease crossed Seraphinas features. She took a step forward, about to check the sack for herself, but Julian placed a hand on her arm, sighing dramatically.
Leos acting is a marvel. Its a shame he never got an Oscar. Sera, are you really going to stand here and watch his performance? Im heading back.
He added, Besides, if it were a child, wouldnt it be crying after a beating like that?
This is what people from the bottom are like. Theyll spin any lie for a bit of money.
His words were like a switch. Seraphinas face hardened, and that fleeting moment of concern was instantly replaced by disgust.
Enough! she snapped at me. You said your dog was a warrior who served on the battlefield with you. Lets see just how tough he really is!
At her command, the men raised their clubs and began beating the sack again.
I tried to lunge forward, to shield the sack with my own body, but her bodyguards pinned me to the ground.
No! Please, hes so small! Let him go! Beat me instead! Beat me!
In my despair, all I could do was slam my forehead against the pavement, again and again, a desperate, useless plea to the two people standing over me. My life, my dignitynone of it mattered compared to my sons.
Seraphina looked away, a hint of discomfort in her eyes, but Julian wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close and casting a triumphant, mocking smile in my direction.
No one listened to my hoarse screams. In the suffocating darkness, my cries of anguish mingled with the sickening thud of clubs, weaving a net of pure despair.
A dark crimson stain began to seep through the burlap, spreading into a pool of blood on the asphalt.
Finally, amid my soul-shattering roars of agony, the small life inside the sack went still.
The men holding me down released their grip. In an instant, I was on my feet, scrambling to the sack, clutching the blood-soaked, mangled bundle to my chest.
Seraphina, apparently bored with the show, gave a dismissive wave of her hand. She and Julian slipped back into their car and sped away. The night wind was cold, and a violent shiver wracked my body.
Noah, you must be cold. Daddy will give you his coat.
I tore off my jacket and wrapped it tightly around the small, broken form. I knew I was fooling myself, but a desperate, insane sliver of hope remained.
What if? What if Noah was strong? What if he hadn't left me yet?
Clinging to that impossible hope, I ran to the hospital.
Help me! Please, save my son
The medical staff took the burlap sack from me with looks of confusion. When they opened it, a nurse screamed.
I didn't hear her. My eyes were fixed on the doctor.
Doctor, can he be saved? Is there still time?
The doctor looked at me with an expression I couldn't decipherpity, perhaps, or something stranger. He finally let out a heavy sigh.
Sir, in a situation like this, we recommend you contact the police first.
His words shattered my last hope into a million pieces. I took a deep, shuddering breath and finally forced myself to look inside the sack.
The small child who used to smile at me was no longer recognizable. He was a ruin of flesh and bone. I couldn't even make out his face.
After the initial, searing pain, a cold, hard rage began to build inside me.
The death certificate was issued quickly.
I went to the police station and reported everything, from beginning to end.
Hours later, an officer came and sat down beside me. Noticing my deathly pale face, he hesitated before speaking. Mr. Thompson, my deepest condolences. The area where this happened there are no security cameras. Its going to be difficult to find evidence.
But please, rest assured, we will get you justice.
I nodded, numb.
Just then, my phone rang, breaking the heavy silence. I answered. It was Seraphina, her voice sharp with annoyance.
Where are you? Why aren't you home yet? And where is Noah?
A bitter, hollow laugh escaped my lips. The absurdity of it all made even my anger feel distant and light.
Noah? Didnt you have him beaten to death? His body is still at the morgue. Would you like to come see it?
Her voice turned shrill. Leo, what has happened to you? Are you so desperate for money that youd lie about our own son?
Julian was right about you. Youre nothing but a manipulative, gold-digging parasite!
I was too tired to argue. I just wanted the law to give me and my son some semblance of justice.
After leaving the station, I returned to the funeral home in a daze. The mortician had done their best, but the violence Noah had endured was too severe. His small face could not be restored.
In a fog of grief, I started to wonder if this was all just a nightmare.
Just a month ago, he was nestled in Seraphinas arms, gurgling and smiling at me, calling me Dada in his sweet, baby voice. I had held both their hands and promised them a happy future. Back then, Seraphina would blush and lean in to give me a kiss filled with love.
All those happy moments were still so vivid. How had everything changed so drastically in just one month?
The next day, I got a call from the police.
Mr. Thompson, weve apprehended the men who assaulted your son.
My heart leaped. I rushed to the station.
The men who had beaten Noah were there, but the real culprits, the ones who gave the orderSeraphina and Julianwere nowhere to be seen.
A wave of pure fury washed over me. I lunged forward and grabbed one of them, a punk with bleached hair, by the collar.
Where is Seraphina?! Where is Julian?! Why arent they here?!
The punks eyes, wide with a mixture of mockery and malice, met mine. He feigned a plea. Hey man, I didnt mean to kill your kid! I swear, I thought it was a vicious dog that had been biting people in the neighborhood!
I knew then. They were here to take the fall.
All the blood rushed to my head. I swung my fist, smashing it into the mans face.
Mr. Thompson, calm down! This is a police station! officers shouted, pulling me away.
As I struggled, unable to move, I saw the men exchange subtle, triumphant smirks. No matter how many times I insisted to the police that there were others behind this, after a brief investigation, they were let off with a slap on the wrist. The case was closed with insufficient evidence to prosecute the masterminds. Only the hired thugs were arrested.
The evidence all pointed to the bloody weapon, but the hand that wielded it remained hidden in the shadows.
In that moment, I understood. With enough money, facts could be twisted. The truth could be buried.
All the strength drained out of me. When I returned to the funeral home, an attendant asked me when I wanted to schedule Noahs cremation.
A few days later, the day of the cremation arrived. The staff at the funeral home, noticing how my hair had turned gray in just a few days, approached me cautiously.
Sir, do you need to keep the childs body for evidence?
I shook my head. I didnt want Noah to suffer any longer in this world.
I leaned over the small, refrigerated casket, my tears falling freely as I said my final goodbye.
Noah, next time, make sure youre born into the right family. Grow up happy, without a care in the world.
You can proceed with the cremation now.
It was over quickly. I had braced myself for this moment, but when I saw the small urn, my eyes burned with fresh tears.
Just as I was about to leave, a group of people blocked my path.
Julian let out a low whistle. He turned to Seraphina, who was standing beside him with a furious expression, and said provocatively, Well, look at Leo. Hes really committed to the part. He even came to the crematorium for the full effect!
His words were gasoline on the fire of her anger. Without a word, she strode forward and slapped me hard across the face.
Leo, I am so disappointed in you! Youd go to these lengths just for attention?
Im asking you, where have you been hiding Noah all this time?!
My vision swam with red. I clutched Noahs urn to my chest, a twisted, venomous hatred rising within me.
I wondered what her reaction would be when she finally found out it was Noah who had died.
Sensing the explosive tension, Julian stepped between us, playing the part of the peacemaker. Seraphina, dont be so hard on Leo. Anyone with a billionaire wife would feel insecure. Let me talk to him.
I didnt know what he was planning, but I watched him warily as he approached.
When he reached me, his benevolent mask dropped, replaced by a look of pure malice. He leaned in, his voice a low, venomous whisper.
Do you know why Seraphina still thinks it was a dog?
He slung an arm around my neck, pulling out his phone and playing a silent video.
On the screen, my dog, Buddy, was tied down, whining pitifully. A figure entered the frame, gave Buddy an injection, and then, as the dog went limp, stuffed him into a burlap sack.
A sack identical to the one they had used for Noah.
The devils whisper continued in my ear. You see? A little sedative, and whats the difference between a man and a dog?
You and that bastard child should never have existed. You never deserved the life you were given.
Seeing the utter madness in my eyes, Julians lips curled into a smirk. He added one final, brutal blow.
Oh, and by the way your dog was delicious.
All the rage, all the hatred, all the grief in my soul erupted in that single moment.
I spun around, grabbing him by the collar and driving my fist into his face.
Julian cried out, clutching his cheek while shouting for all to hear, I was just telling you not to be greedy for Seraphinas money, to love her properly! Why are you hitting me?!
I told you I was willing to leave, to stop bothering you!
I couldnt even see his disgusting, deceitful face anymore. I was running on pure, primal instinct, my eyes blazing as I hit him again and again.
Seraphina, momentarily stunned by my terrifying, feral state, snapped out of it and ordered her bodyguards to pull me off him.
She walked over to me, her eyes filled with profound disappointment. Leo, what have you become? A greedy, unrepentant liar who takes his anger out on others! It seems you need to be taught a lesson.
She gestured to her bodyguards, and their fists began to rain down on me.
Julian, nursing his bruised face, couldn't help but smile. Leo was a soldier, after all, he remarked casually. Doesnt look like this is affecting him much.
Seraphina frowned at his words, then barked at her men, Havent you eaten?! Put some effort into it!
As they beat me, her eyes fell on the urn I was desperately trying to protect. Her gaze sharpened.
She strode forward, kicked me over, and before I could react, brought her foot down hard.
NO!
I couldnt stop her. I could only watch as Noahs ashes scattered across the floor.
I scrambled forward, my hands trembling as I tried to gather what was left of my son.
Seeing my wretched state, Seraphina just shook her head. Utterly hopeless.
That evening, I returned home, clutching the box containing the ashes I had managed to collect, intending to pack away Noahs things.
When I opened the door, I found Seraphina sitting on the sofa, apparently waiting for me.
A flicker of relief, one she herself didn't seem to notice, crossed her face when she saw me. But when her gaze landed on the small box in my hands, her expression hardened with impatience.
Stop the act, Leo. Im not buying it.
At this point, I was beyond grief, beyond caring whether she was truly ignorant or just pretending. I asked flatly, What do you want?
My lifeless tone seemed to infuriate her. It was just a dog! Are you ever going to get over it? Ill buy you a better one, will that make you happy?
She stood up and pulled a document from the sofa cushions, holding it out to me with an air of condescending charity.
Take a look at this. If there are no issues, sign it.
I stared at the papers. It was a prenuptial agreement.
What is this? Were already married. Whats the point of signing this now?
My question seemed to confirm her suspicions. This man was only after her money. The thought deepened her frustration and disgust.
Let me be honest with you. The marriage certificate we got it was a fake.
And lately, Ive been very disappointed in your performance. If you sign this, Ill consider getting a real marriage certificate with you.
So, it was all a lie from the very beginning. From day one, Seraphina had been guarding her fortune from me.
I remembered carrying her, wounded, across a battlefield. I remembered her blushing as she asked me to be her boyfriend.
It was all a joke. A pathetic, cruel joke.
A laugh bubbled up from my chest, raw and hysterical.
Hahahahaha! Fine. Ill sign.
Seeing me sign so readily, a strange feeling stirred within Seraphina. Could she have been wrong about him?
She thought back over the past three yearshis unwavering care, his tenderness. She remembered the man who had carried her through a field of death and chaos The love, the connection she had feltthat wasn't fake.
A wave of regret washed over her. Leo, she began, her voice softening, dont be so stubborn. I just needed proof that you truly love me. If you just admit you were wrong, we can go back to how things were
She put the document away, her tone uncharacteristically gentle.
I looked at her, my face a mask of scorn. Theres no need, Ms. Sterling.
You have what you wanted. You can go now. Id like to be alone.
She had never been treated with such coldness by me. Her face fell. Have it your way, she snapped, turning and storming out.
I quietly packed up my things, and Noahs. Then, with my sons ashes, I headed back to the war.
A week later, in the penthouse office of Sterling Industries.
Seraphina held a glass of freshly imported red wine, looking down at the city lights twinkling below.
Leo hadn't contacted her since that day.
Even though Julian had been taking her on trips, trying to make up for lost time, a persistent shadow of unease loomed over her.
Its been a while now. He must have realized his mistake, right?
She picked up her phone, but as her finger hovered over Leos number, she remembered Julians words: Seraphina, you deserve to be worshiped. If you give in once, youll have to do it again and again.
She snapped her phone shut. She wasnt going to spoil Leo.
But it had been so long. Surely, as a mother, she should at least check on her child?
With that excuse, she happily opened her phone again and, with a feigned air of reluctance, called the daycare.
When the teacher answered, Seraphina asked, a little awkwardly, Hello, I was just calling to see how Noah has been doing these past few days. His father and I have been fighting it hasnt affected him, has it?
There was a long silence on the other end of the line. Finally, the teachers hesitant voice came through.
Mrs. Sterling Noah passed away several weeks ago
The sound of shattering glass echoed in the silent room.

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