ManyWriters

On the occasion of taking a family photo at our daughter's birthday party, Darling's high school classmate Hendrik leaned over me and kissed my Darling on the corner of her mouth.
I was visibly angry, but Darling mocked me for being petty.
"It's just a normal cheek kiss greeting, why are you so worked up?"
Hendrik also looked at me with disdain, turning to criticize Darling, "Your status isn't what it used to be, huh? Even a live-in son-in-law dares to give you attitude."
My daughter, whom I was holding in my arms, tried to please Hendrik by grabbing his hand, "Uncle, I want you to be my daddy."
The photographer even went ahead and took a happy group photo of the three of them. I clenched my fists and brought up the idea of divorce.
Unexpectedly, Darling immediately pulled out a divorce agreement, "I've been waiting for you to say that. Hurry up and sign it, you're leaving with nothing!"
I calmly signed and dialed my Father-in-law's number, "From now on, anything concerning Ashford Manor has absolutely nothing to do with me!"

Daughter's Birthday, Darling and First Love Take a Family Photo

"Uncle Hendrik, I was just telling my friends about you, and they all said you're so handsome!"


My daughter gazed at Hendrik with admiration, completely ignoring me, her own father.


In that instant, my heart shattered into pieces.


Hendrik crouched down and gently pinched my daughter's cheek. "Is that so?"


"So, who do you like more, Uncle Hendrik or your dad?"


The moment I asked that question, I focused all my hopeful gaze on my daughter.


Nervousness, fear, and anticipation swirled in my heart.


My daughter thought for only a second before replying, "I like Uncle Hendrik."


My heart felt like it was being stabbed. I couldn't help but call out my daughter's name, "Honey, how... how could you say that?"


My daughter looked at me puzzled, then glanced at Darling before speaking her mind, "I want Uncle Hendrik to be my dad."


Hendrik took my daughter's hand, "Alright, then from now on, I'll be your dad!"


Then the three of them stepped onto the stage together as the host turned on the microphone once again.As the music begins to play, the three of them stand together like a perfect family, humming the nursery rhyme that their daughter loves most.


Meanwhile, I'm forcibly kept here, watching their picture of happiness.


My heart twists like a knife, and any thoughts of resistance gradually fade away.


After the song ends, the photographer hoists up his camera again, taking group photos of the three.


"You three look so good together as a family. I'm tempted to use this for a promotional cover!"


"No wonder the host said 'talented man, beautiful woman.' It's truly not an exaggeration!"


As the photo session concludes and guests start to leave, my heart dies a little more.


Darling struts towards me, waving a document, her face triumphant.


"You're leaving with nothing. Get out of my house!"


The two behind me release their grip on my arms at Darling's command.


I stumble, nearly falling to my knees in front of Darling.


She forcefully shoves a pen into my hand. "Hurry up and sign."


Without a moment's hesitation, I scrawl my name on the divorce agreement.


Darling swiftly snatches the paper away, then waves her hand dismissively at me. "Now get lost."


Just as I'm about to leave, Hendrik saunters towards me, taking his time.He beamed with joy, "Not so fast, you're not going anywhere yet."


Finally liberated, I couldn't hold back any longer.


I swung my fist straight at Hendrik's face. He didn't even have time to react before I knocked him to the ground.


A purple bruise appeared on the right side of his face.


Overwhelmed by emotion, I straddled him, but before I could land another punch, several people behind me forcibly pulled me off.


Hendrik got up from the ground, wincing in pain. "Beat the crap out of him!"


At his command, the bodyguards unleashed their fury without mercy.


They only stopped when I coughed up blood.


I was pinned to the ground by several men, spread-eagled.


Darling tenderly supported Hendrik, then stomped hard on the back of my hand.


"Let me tell you, this is the Young Tycoon of the Winters family. Your life isn't worth a tenth of his!"


I tried to speak but the pain from my wounds made me gasp for air.


Meanwhile, Hendrik sauntered over to me, pressing an ice pack to his injury.He kicked my face with his dress shoes, then stomped on it vindictively, as if venting his rage.


Chapter 3