Christopher eagerly opened the gift box. But his smile instantly vanished when he saw what was inside. The box contained no precious gift or token of affection but plain white silk. Christopher raised an eyebrow and asked, “Is this the gift you prepared?”
“What’s the matter, Father? Don’t you like it?” Gage remained calm and humble. “Do you like it?” Christopher’s expression grew stern. He exclaimed, ” Look what you gave me!”
He threw the gift box to the floor, where it cracked open, and the white silk spilled out. The guests in the banquet hall were astounded. “What’s going on? Why would anyone give the birthday person white cloth?”
“That’s not a white cloth. It’s a white silk used for hanging.”
“White silk? That’s strange. Why would anyone give that?” “No wonder General Murray was upset. I would be, too. What the hell is Gage thinking?”
Whispers and puzzled looks spread through the room. The previously friendly atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
“Why did you give this, Gage?” Edgar asked with a frown.
“Yeah, Gage! Take it back. It’s embarrassing!” Caden scolded. The gift was an ominous item. It was inappropriate for a birthday celebration.
“It seems Father doesn’t like my gift.”
Gage picked up the white silk and ignored the strange looks around him.
He dusted it off and smiled. “This white silk once belonged to my late wife. I’ve held onto it for five years, always intending to give it to you, Father…”
His words shocked the people in the hall, especially the Murray family. Their facial expressions changed drastically.
The incident from the past had almost become a taboo, and no one dared to mention it. They thought Gage had returned to make amends with his family. No one expected him to reopen old wounds.
“Gage! What is the meaning of this? Why are you bringing it up now?” Edgar scolded. He turned to Christopher and pleaded, ” Dad, please don’t be angry at Gage. He must be drunk.”
“If I don’t talk about it, does that mean what happened then never happened?” Gage smiled. He then added, “Do you remember, Father? Your actions led to my wife’s death. You pushed her to hang herself. You manage to tear us apart for good.”
“So, your return today isn’t to celebrate my birthday but to seek justice?” Christopher was unsure of his son’s motives.
Gage’s smile faded. “Father, if you repent and admit your mistakes, perhaps I’ll forgive you.”
“Gage, how could you!” Edgar burst out in anger, slapping Gage across the face. He said, “Today is Dad’s birthday. You can’t do that. Apologize to Dad right now!”
“Apologize?” Gage laughed. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.
Calmly, he continued, “Christopher Murray was responsible for my wife’s death. He destroyed my life and turned it into a living nightmare. Do you really expect me to apologize to him? Are you serious?”
“Dad did nothing wrong back then. It was all your fault. Don’t be stubborn. Drop to your knees and apologize!”
Edgar’s anger level was rising. He was well aware that things would only get worse if Gage resisted.
“Edgar, you’re as submissive as ever. You’re terrified of Christopher’s glare and tremble in fear. You’re so pathetic.
Gage shook his head sadly. “You… You’re hopeless! I’m going to teach you a lesson!” Edgar was outraged and raised his hand to strike. Suddenly, Gage drew a knife and ruthlessly plunged it into Edgar’s chest.
