Chapter 2

The search operation lasted a day and a night.

The rescue team scoured the entire mountain. Dad worked for 48 hours straight, without sleep.

But still, only a few scattered remains were found.

When Detective Miller came to question Dad, his expression was even heavier than before.

"We've searched the entire mountain, and we've only found one leg bone."

"I suspect the victim was dismembered and discarded here."

Dad's words shocked the officer.

"So, the killer likely disposed of the remaining body parts somewhere else?"

"Not just the bones, but other human tissue too. Don't forget, we only have one leg bone so far."

"This is an extremely brutal murder. The killer is far more savage than we imagined."

Dad laid out all his findings. Detective Miller realized the gravity of the situation and, after a moment of silence, replied.

"I'll gather more personnel and expand the search area."

It was then that a teammate spotted a watch wedged in a rock crevice and brought it over.

Seeing the watch, my previously low spirits suddenly soared.

Dad had given me that watch for my birthday three years ago.

He had to remember it!

Soon, Dad would recognize me.

I clenched my fists in excitement, eagerly anticipating the moment he'd know.

But his eyes merely swept over the watch before he immediately handed it to Detective Miller. He told him it might be a personal item of the victim, suggesting he photograph it and post it online to quickly find relatives and identify the body.

It was Officer Jenkins, standing nearby, whose eyes flickered with a hint of doubt. The next second, he spoke.

"Commander Grant, why does that watch look familiar?"

"I remember seeing Leo wear something similar..."

Dad's brows furrowed in displeasure.

"There are plenty of identical watches in the world, Officer Jenkins. I don't know what's gotten into you today."

"Could it be that little punk asked you to speak up for him? He's always been manipulative. Don't fall for his tricks."

Officer Jenkins tried to say more on my behalf, but Dad was called away.

Watching his busy back, my heart sank completely.

Dad wasn't like this before.

He loved me too.

But ten years ago, a dear friend of his passed away due to abuse from her alcoholic husband, leaving behind only her son, Brandon. Dad, ignoring my mom's objections, brought Brandon home and cared for him as if he were his own son.

My mom couldn't accept it. She demanded a divorce. After a fierce argument, my mom took me to a high bridge, threatening to jump into the river below.

The wind on the bridge was wild. I was so scared that I begged my mom to put me down. Later, she slept forever in the cold riverbed, but I survived.

When Dad received the call from the water rescue team, he slapped me twice without a word. He called me a murderer, said I was the one who killed my mom. He declared that from then on, Brandon was his only son.

He even stripped me of my family name, forcing me to go by Leo, a constant reminder of my supposed sin.

I knew Dad hated me.

Now that I was finally dead, he must be happy, right?

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