Chapter 7: Do You Believe I Was Framed?

Words : 1856 Updated : Mar 27th, 2025

Lyra blinked her big eyes and asked, "Mommy, when is Daddy coming home?" Her clear gaze was filled with longing, yearning for a father. In kindergarten, her classmates teased her for not having a dad, leaving her speechless and retreating silently to a corner to endure their taunts. She dreamed of having a father who would lift her high and kiss her cheeks. Sophie saw the longing in her daughter's eyes, and her heart ached. This question had been asked countless times, and she couldn't bear to extinguish her daughter's hope. Bending down, she gently kissed her daughter and said, "Your daddy will come back someday, and when he does, he'll bring lots of gifts for you." "Really, Mommy?" The little girl's eyes sparkled, her innocent cheeks full of hope. Sophie forced a smile, knowing it was unlikely. The man was serving a life sentence for heinous crimes, whereabouts unknown. Even if he came back, she wouldn't forgive him. But she reassured her daughter, "Of course, I would never lie to you." "Okay, let's head home now!" "Okay, I'll listen to Mommy." The little girl nodded obediently. As the car roared to life, it disappeared down the winding road. Once someone was gone, no matter how much affection remained, it couldn't be expressed, leaving only eternal regret. Jimmy knelt quietly by the grave on the hill, feeling lost and helpless like a child in the wind. As strong as he was, never backing down from an enemy, he couldn't suppress the flood of emotions pouring out at this moment. He longed to tell his mother he hadn't killed anyone or committed those monstrous crimes. He wanted to tell her that her son hadn't succumbed in prison; instead, he had fought bravely for his country, earning great honors that made enemy nations tremble. He was still the son she could be proud of. But she couldn't hear or see any of this now. He didn't know how long he knelt there, lost in grief, until he finally realized it was already dusk. In the southern winter, there was no heavy snow; it was as if the heavens sensed Jimmy's sorrow, wrapping the cold wind with a light drizzle that chilled to the bone. Jimmy pulled his thin coat tighter and walked down the mountain in the rain, solitary like his future—lonely and slow-moving. By the time the man returned home, dusk had settled in, and the houses around him were lighting up one by one. He hadn't even settled in when a knock sounded at the door. He rushed to open it, revealing a familiar face—Celeste Lowe, a girl he knew well. She was Mary's granddaughter, living with her since her parents worked in the provincial city. The woman was now studying at a university, the same school Jimmy had attended. Jimmy had excelled in both character and academics since he was young, earning his mother great respect and serving as Marilyn's proudest achievement. Therefore, Jimmy became Celeste's benchmark in her heart like an idol. But five years ago, the man she admired had become a despised criminal in the eyes of everyone. Her feelings were mixed, struggling to believe that the kind man could be a vicious murderer. Yet reality left her little choice, filling her with disappointment, sadness, and a touch of fear. Jimmy was equally surprised at how much she had changed, transforming Celeste from a little girl into a graceful young woman. "Celeste?" he interrupted her thoughts, bringing her back to the present. "Jimmy, Grandma asked me to bring you some dinner." Only then did Jimmy notice the warm dishes in her hands. "Thank you!" He accepted the dishes gratefully; he was hungry after a long day and hadn't prepared anything to eat. "Would you like to come in and sit for a while?" Jimmy offered with his gentle smile that always seemed to bring warmth. Celeste hesitated briefly, then nodded, stepping in awkwardly. "Make yourself comfortable," Jimmy said casually. Celeste was no longer the naive child who used to trail behind him with endless questions. She sat on the sofa, nervous and tense, facing her neighborly brother, who was once a legend even at Zentori University, having started a successful business by his second year, reaching near-billionaire status by graduation. His company was even on the verge of being listed when he was arrested. How could someone so accomplished have done anything wrong? Celeste couldn't help but glance at Jimmy, observing his short hair and the worn-out clothes that spoke of hardship. Unaware of her thoughts, Jimmy focused on his meal, eating heartily and indifferent to her curious gaze. After much hesitation, Celeste finally asked, "Jimmy, did you really do those things?" Jimmy paused, swallowed his food, and instead of answering directly, asked, "Do you believe it?" Celeste lowered her head, contemplating before looking up with determination. "I don't believe it." To her, Jimmy had always been an outstanding person, incapable of such terrible deeds. The reports seemed too far-fetched, unlike the man she knew. Still, she needed his confirmation. Jimmy smiled. "I was framed." Celeste felt relief wash over her, her face brightening with joy, and her demeanor relaxed. "I knew you couldn't be that kind of person," she said. Having someone believe in him unconditionally lifted Jimmy's spirits. "No matter what people say, I would never harm you." He finished his meal, placing the dishes on the table with sincerity. Celeste smiled. "Are you still hungry? I can get you more food," she offered. "No, that's fine," Jimmy replied with a gentle smile. "Alright, I'll head back then." As she reached the door, she turned and asked, "Jimmy, with New Year coming up, would you like to go shopping with me tomorrow?" Jimmy considered refusing but realized he needed to stock up on supplies. He agreed readily, "Sure, let's go together tomorrow."

Chapter 7: Do You Believe I Was Framed?

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