Chapter 1

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!"

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1

After the birthday song was sung, the host signaled for Darling and me to go on stage."Next up, we invite the parents of our little princess to take the stage!"

As soon as the words were spoken, Darling eagerly rushed onto the stage, while I was held back by the arm by one of the organizers.

Before I could even react, the host continued speaking.

"What a handsome and beautiful couple! No wonder they have such a pretty and adorable daughter!"

"Come on, let's have mom and dad stand together for a photo!"

Hearing this, I suddenly looked up, only to find a familiar face standing next to Darling.

It was Hendrik, Darling's high school classmate.

He was also the man who had been frequently visiting Darling's office in the past few days.

A surge of anger welled up inside me, and I immediately called for the host to stop.

Everyone at the scene was confused, turning curious glances my way.

Darling frowned slightly, clearly displeased. "What are you doing?"

Without a word, I turned off all the sound equipment and said, "What am I doing?"

"I should be asking what you two are trying to do!"

Without the amplification, the scene became eerily quiet.

Darling's face visibly reddened as she stormed off the stage, charging straight towards me.

Just as her hand was about to strike my face, Hendrik intercepted it.He chuckled softly, calling Darling by her pet name, "Melody, it's such a wonderful day today. There's no need to get angry with him over this little thing."

As he spoke, he gently placed his hands on either side of Darling's face. "Be a good girl, don't get upset. Anger causes wrinkles, you know."

Hearing this, Darling shyly covered half her face with her hand and let out a soft laugh.

I clenched my fists and pushed Hendrik's shoulder. "This is my daughter's birthday party."

"What are you doing here?"

Hendrik didn't answer my question. Instead, he first looked me up and down from head to toe.

Then, he unhurriedly took out a handkerchief from his pocket and repeatedly wiped the spot where I had touched him.

"How filthy!"

With those words, I could no longer control my emotions. But before I could make a move, the two security guards behind me firmly grabbed my wrists.

Darling's face turned ashen. "Miles, don't push your luck!"

She lowered her voice and walked up to my ear. "It's our daughter's birthday today. You'd better behave yourself."

"Otherwise, get the hell out of our Ashford Manor!"Before Hendrick could let her finish speaking, he pulled Darling back to his side.

Then, with his eyes closed and full of passion, he planted a kiss on the corner of Darling's lips.