Chapter 1

Five years ago, my wife and my best friend sent me to prison.

Five years later, I picked up a designated driver order from them.

My wife stared at me, stunned,

"Luke, you're released. Why didn't you come find me?"

Before she could finish, the drunk guy next to her pulled her in and kissed her.

When she finally steadied the man, I recognized him—my old best friend who'd testified against me for sexual assault and sent me to prison.

I pulled my cap lower and took the keys like a pro,

"Ma'am, get in. Five-star rating when we're done, please."

Vanessa slapped the keys out of my hand. Tears streaming, she grabbed my shoulders,

"Luke, come home with me right now! Do you know how much Mom, Dad, and I missed you all these years?"

I shook her hands off and bent down to pick up the keys. My prosthetic banged against the bumper.

Vanessa's eyes locked on my missing leg. Tears fell.

I didn't get why she was crying.

After all, she was the lawyer who believed I'd raped her best friend and personally sent me to prison.

......

"Luke, what the hell happened to your leg?"

Vanessa's voice woke up the drunk Greg.

He sneered at me,

"Well, well, if it isn't Luke."

"When'd you get out? Should've told your boy. I'd have picked you up."

Greg leaned on Vanessa's shoulder, half-lidded eyes on me.

Vanessa wiped her tears and glared at Greg,

"Greg, you're drunk. Watch your mouth."

Greg shrugged and pulled Vanessa's waist, dragging her into him,

"I'm not talking shit. Luke here fucked up and went inside. I've been praying every day he'd turn his life around."

Vanessa gasped, "Greg, you're wasted. Don't move."

The concern in her voice—exactly like how she used to talk to me.

After calming Greg down, she looked at my prosthetic again,

"Your leg... what did you go through in there these five years?"

Her eyes were bloodshot, but I ignored her. I walked straight to the driver's seat.

"Excuse me. Move."

My movements were clumsy. The wind lifted my pant leg, exposing the cheap metal frame.

Vanessa covered her mouth. Tears kept falling.

"Luke, don't be like this. Come home with me. Let's talk this through..."

She reached for me.

I dodged.

"Ms. Attorney, are you taking this ride or not? If not, I'm canceling."

I pulled out my phone, all business.

Greg laughed and yanked Vanessa into his arms.

"Babe, why bother with this rapist?"

"He didn't even spare your best friend back then. He's getting what he deserves now!"

"If you ask me, losing one leg's too light."

Greg reeked of alcohol. Every word stabbed my chest.

Five years ago, this so-called best friend got me drunk and threw me into a hotel room.

When I woke up, Mia was crying and running out half-dressed.

My wife Vanessa burst through the door with the cops.

She didn't listen to a single explanation. Slapped me right there.

Even more pathetic—she was a top attorney, and she personally represented Mia and sent me to prison.

I pulled my thoughts back and looked at Vanessa.

Greg had his arm around her. She frowned but didn't push him away.

"Greg, stop it."

She turned to me,

"Luke, let's continue the ride."

"Money's tight for you now anyway."

I didn't say anything. She was right—I was broke.

After adjusting the seat, Vanessa helped Greg into the back.

The whole drive was dead silent.

Only Greg's occasional mumbling broke the quiet.

"Babe, my head hurts. Rub it for me..."

Vanessa cooed at him softly.

I stared ahead, foot steady on the gas.

Half an hour later, we pulled up to a luxury villa complex.

This place used to be home for Vanessa and me.

"We're here."

Greg pulled out several hundred dollars and threw them at my face,

"Keep the change. Use the rest to buy a decent prosthetic."

"Stop limping around embarrassing yourself."

Smirking, he got out with Vanessa.

Vanessa stared at the cash on the floor, frowning,

"Luke, don't take it personally. Greg's drunk."

"Take the money. Tomorrow... come to the firm tomorrow. I'll get you a real job."

I opened the door and only picked up exactly the fare.

"I don't take his dirty money."

"Ms. Attorney, don't forget that five-star rating."

Greg lunged to hit me, but Vanessa stopped him.

I walked into the night without looking back.