Chapter 3

My father had only me, his daughter. Although my mother passed away early, he never let me feel a lack of paternal love.

In recent years, as he's gotten older and his health has declined, he's repeatedly expressed his wish for me to visit him more often.

But I've been so focused on Draven, and because of our frequent arguments, I've also grown distant from my father.

I know how difficult it is for my father to run a major corporation, but I still can't bear to give up my days by Draven's side.

I abandoned a life of luxury, gave up my family's business, and devoted myself to supporting his startup, only to end up battered and bruised.

My father was clearly awakened from his sleep by my phone call. Hearing the concern in his voice as he urgently asked what had happened, I couldn't hold back my tears.

"It's nothing, Dad. I just missed you."

"My dear daughter, did Draven mistreat you? Why do you sound so upset?"

I could no longer suppress the pain in my heart and began to sob uncontrollably over the phone.

After crying, I talked with Dad for a long time. I could tell he was very emotional too, constantly going on about arrangements for when I come back.

Having made my decision, I started preparing to leave.

My father built his business empire from scratch, and he had hoped to groom me as his successor.But after graduating and returning to the country, under the guise of wanting to strive for independence on my own, I stayed in Draven's city, neglecting my father whose white hair was increasing day by day.

At this moment, I was already eager to return home, not wanting to linger here any longer.

Returning home late at night, Scarlett's shoes and coat were scattered at the doorway.

Draven's doting voice came from inside: "Why are you barefoot? You'll be complaining about cold feet again later."

She responded in a coquettish tone: "Who told you not to prepare things for me? You must have been too busy today, huh?"

I stood in the living room, looking disheveled, while she feigned surprise: "Meadow, why are you just getting back now? We thought you had been home for a while."

Her posture was as if she were the true lady of the house, while I had become an unwelcome guest.

I was utterly exhausted, too tired to care that she was wearing my new pajamas and holding my unopened bottle of Jack Daniel's.

She seemed to have grown accustomed to using my things naturally. Draven always said: "It's not that she doesn't have money, it's just that she's alone here with no one to take care of her. You're with me now, so you're like an elder to her. Giving her a few things is no big deal."Draven saw my silence and mistakenly thought I was about to get angry. He quickly explained, "I just took Scarlett to the hospital for a check-up. It was too late and unsafe, so I let her stay overnight."

"Thank goodness she's alright. Otherwise, how would I explain this to her parents?"

His tone was full of reproach, but he failed to notice my wind-reddened face and weak expression.

The headache made me feel dizzy, and I had no strength left to argue with them.

He asked in bewilderment, "You're not angry?"

I stopped in my tracks and explained for him, "Scarlett's parents aren't around, so it's only right that you take extra care of her. I'm used to being independent, there's nothing to worry about. I'll sleep it off and forget about it."

They both froze for a moment, then Draven said urgently, "You know Scarlett's been emotionally unstable since she got sick. I was afraid something might happen to her."

I cut him off, "That's none of my business. You don't need to explain so much to me."

He got annoyed and grabbed my arm forcefully, but I jerked away as if I'd seen a ghost.

Scarlett was on the verge of tears, "Stop fighting. I'll leave now and never show up in front of you again."

As she turned to leave, Draven warned me, "She's just a young girl. How can you be so intolerant?""Stay at home and reflect on your behavior!"

He helped her put on her coat, and before leaving, he didn't forget to go to the bathroom and stuff her pink panties into his pocket.

As they passed by me, Scarlett quietly stuck out her leg, tripping me.

Already dizzy and disoriented, I stumbled and fell to the ground, pain washing over me once again.

But Draven acted as if he hadn't seen anything, and walked straight out with her.