Night had fallen, and I stood forlornly on the balcony, gazing down at the street below. My phone was pressed to my ear, and through the receiver, I heard my Aunt Eleanor’s voice, full of concern. “Liam, are you truly sure about this?” I nodded slightly, my voice firm as I replied, “Yes!” A soft sigh came from the other end of the line. Aunt Eleanor then continued, “You’re the sole heir of the Northwood Group, yet you’ve stayed away for seven years, all for one woman. Now that you’ve finally come to your senses, it’s not too late. So, when do you plan on coming home?” After a few seconds of silence, I steeled myself and said, “In three days.” Aunt Eleanor half-joked, “Fine. I’ll be attending a gala in a neighboring city in three days; I can pick you up on my way back. But are you absolutely sure you’ve completely given up on Seraphina? Don’t tell me you’ll be back to throwing yourself at her feet again the moment you step foot back home…” “Aunt, don’t worry. I’ve completely given up on Seraphina. In three days, we’ll officially go our separate ways!”
Hanging up the phone, my gaze drifted towards the mansion’s entrance. At the gate, Seraphina was intimately leaning against her one true love, Julian. They were laughing and chatting, like a couple deeply in love. This was the seventh year of my secret marriage to Seraphina, and the sixth year she forbade our daughter from calling her ‘Mom.’ Seven years of pouring my heart into her, trying to melt her cold heart, and still, she remained frozen solid. My fists clenched, a storm of conflicting emotions raged within me. Suddenly, a tiny hand gently tugged at mine. I turned sharply to see our daughter, Lily, in a thin nightgown, one hand clutching a worn-out Barbie doll, the other holding onto me. She looked up, her innocent, wide eyes fixed on mine. Shocked and heartbroken, I quickly knelt down and said, “Lily, what are you doing out here? It’s cold; go back to your room.” As I spoke, I scooped Lily into my arms, ready to carry her inside. But Lily looked up at me and asked anxiously in a whisper, “Daddy, are we really leaving Mommy?” My steps faltered. I instinctively glanced back at the intimate figures downstairs. Then I turned back to Lily, smiling gently, “Lily, the man Seraphina loves is back. We… have no reason to stay.” “Daddy will take you back to our own home, okay?” Lily looked at the Barbie doll in her arms, her eyes filled with reluctance. She looked at me again, tears glistening in her eyes, “Daddy, can we please not go? I’ve… never been allowed to openly call her ‘Mom’…” My heart shattered into a million pieces. After a long moment, I whispered, “Lily, Seraphina… she doesn’t want us around.” Lily said pitifully, “Daddy, I want to give Mommy three more chances. If… if she still doesn’t change, then we’ll leave, okay?” I paused, then nodded slightly, softly saying, “Alright! We’ll do what Lily wants. We’ll give Seraphina three chances!” Lily’s face immediately lit up with a joyful smile. I carried Lily back into the mansion, turning to head upstairs. Just then, Seraphina walked in, a smile on her face. Lily excitedly wiggled free from my embrace and ran gleefully towards Seraphina, shouting, “Mommy, you’re back!” Seraphina’s face instantly turned sour. She immediately scowled and snapped at Lily, “Who told you to call me ‘Mom’?” Lily’s running abruptly froze, and her bright smile vanished instantly. She stood still like a child who had done something wrong, utterly bewildered. Seraphina looked up at me, her voice filled with fury, “Liam, how many times have I told you?!” “Don’t let her call me ‘Mom’! Are you both deaf to what I say?” Lily recoiled a step in fear, lowering her head, cautiously apologizing, “I’m sorry, Mom… Seraphina!” I immediately stepped forward, shielding Lily behind me, and glared coldly at Seraphina. “Seraphina, if you don’t like me, fine. But Lily is just a child; why are you yelling at her?” Seraphina’s eyes widened in fury. “Liam, what right do you have to bring up children with me?” Her face twisted into a cruel sneer, “Don’t you remember how that child came to be?!” Seraphina advanced, poking her index finger viciously at my chest. “Seven years ago, you took advantage of my vulnerability and raped me! You’re nothing but a rapist who hurt me!” Her gaze then turned piercingly to Lily, and she said with disgust, “And she’s just the rapist’s daughter. Why should I be nice to her?” I quickly covered Lily’s ears, desperate to spare her from her mother’s cruel words. But even for me, those words sent an arctic chill through my soul. I gritted my teeth, glaring at Seraphina, “Seraphina, I’m telling you one last time, seven years ago, *you*…” “Enough! Liam, how long are you going to keep making excuses? Do you actually think I can’t see through your pathetic little scheme?” “Scheme? Seraphina, if you think this was a scheme, why did you still marry me and have Lily?” Seraphina’s face was utterly devoid of warmth, and she snarled, “Because… I wanted to constantly remind you of the monstrous things you did to me! I want you to pay for what you did!” My eyes welled up, my voice trembling slightly, “So, from the very beginning, you never loved me, did you?” Seraphina glanced at my pained expression, and her own eyes reddened. She hissed, “You? You dare to talk about love with me? From the moment you took advantage of my drunken state and raped me seven years ago, you turned into something utterly repulsive in my eyes!” As she spoke, tears streamed uncontrollably down her face. My heart ached. I instinctively reached out to wipe her tears. Seraphina reacted first, quickly wiping away her tears, taking a deep breath, and looking at me with disdain. “Seven years ago, you did those disgusting things just to climb the social ladder and live a good life. I didn’t hold it against you. I gave you luxury cars, a mansion, status, and a position. Liam, what more could you possibly want?” “Seraphina, have you really thought that way all these years?” My eyes were red, filled with disbelief. I couldn’t fathom that the woman I deeply loved saw me in such a light. Seraphina’s face twisted with contempt. “Otherwise, what else am I supposed to think? I… I’m warning you, don’t push your luck. Otherwise, everything I gave you, I can take away just as easily!” With that, she swept past Lily and me, striding upstairs. I watched Seraphina’s retreating back, silently trying to explain in my heart: But… Seraphina, I married you, and we had a child, because – I genuinely loved you… I thought that after marriage, I could slowly melt your cold heart, but I forgot that a heart as cold and unyielding as stone is impossible to warm… It felt as if an invisible hand had pulled me into the past, and memories flooded back like a tide. Seven years ago, in a hotel hallway, a clearly intoxicated Seraphina crashed into my arms, sobbing uncontrollably. I was instantly flustered and panicked, yet my heart pounded uncontrollably. In that moment, my world narrowed to this fragile woman in my arms, and then, by a strange twist of fate, we spent one passionate night together. The next day, Seraphina vanished. I thought I’d never see her again, but two weeks later, a distraught Seraphina sought me out, telling me she was pregnant. I was stunned, but I took responsibility and made my commitment. I concealed my true identity and married Seraphina, secretly using my family’s resources to help her. But her attitude remained utterly indifferent. After investigating, I understood: Julian had gone abroad that night, which was why Seraphina had gotten so drunk and ended up with me. Although it was an accident, and Seraphina didn’t love me, I believed I could melt her heart. But for seven whole years, I couldn’t melt her heart, and our daughter suffered, deprived of a mother’s love. Now that Julian was back, Lily and I were likely completely irrelevant. It was time to go home.
I took a deep breath, blinking hard to pull myself out of the memory. I watched Seraphina’s back as she went upstairs, silently making a decision: Seven years of devotion, and not a single response from you. Seraphina, I’m tired… Lily looked up, confused, and asked, “Daddy, why did Seraphina say you’re a rapist?” My eyes welled up. I forced back tears, knelt down, and managed a strained smile. “Because Seraphina… she misunderstood Daddy!” Lily reached out her small hand and gently wiped away a tear from the corner of my eye. “Daddy, don’t cry! Seraphina might misunderstand Daddy, but Lily won’t.” I was deeply moved and hugged Lily. “Lily, you’re so sweet.” Lily thought for a moment, then sadly said, “Daddy, Seraphina… she still has two chances.” I froze, then released Lily and looked into her eyes, my own eyes welling up again. Then I nodded heavily. “Alright!” In Lily’s room, on her nightstand, sat a carefully pieced-together photo frame with a picture of three people. In it, I held Lily, a joyful smile on my face. Seraphina’s photo, however, was clearly cut out and pasted onto the right side, sharing the same frame. What appeared to be a complete family portrait was, in fact, a fabrication. Lily was already tucked into bed. I leaned over, carefully pulling up the covers. She gripped the blanket with both hands, hiding her mouth and nose beneath it, only her bright eyes visible, wide awake. I playfully pinched Lily’s nose and softly said, “Go to sleep, sweetie. Winter break is over; school starts tomorrow!” Lily’s innocent face peeked out from under the covers, her eyes sparkling with anticipation: “Daddy, can Seraphina come with me to the school orientation tomorrow? All the other kids have their moms, and Lily wants a mommy too…” I froze, a little lost in thought. “Lily, Seraphina might… not have time tomorrow…” My voice held a hint of hesitation, afraid to shatter my child’s fantasy. “Daddy, can it be her second chance, please?” Her eyes pleaded, and her small body sat up in bed, hands clasped together. I pondered for a moment, then finally nodded. “Alright, Daddy will talk to Seraphina.” After tucking Lily in, I quietly got up and left the room. … In Seraphina’s master bedroom, she had just emerged from the bathroom, steam clinging to her skin. Just then, her phone chimed with a crisp SnapChat notification. She walked to the bed, picked up her phone, unlocked the screen, and played the voice message. Julian’s magnetic voice emanated from the phone: “Seraphina, I just left you, and I already miss you. I wish I could see you all the time.” Hearing this, Seraphina’s lips curved into an unconscious, sweet smile. She quickly tapped the voice input button, her eyes crinkling with amusement as she replied, “Alright, alright, I promise! The first face you see when you wake up tomorrow morning will be mine!” Immediately after, her phone chimed again with another voice message from Julian: “Really? Oh, and by the way, Seraphina, I heard that Mayor Thompson, Metropolis City’s most influential figure, is hosting a gala at the Grand Regency Hotel in three days, and even the Northwood Group has been alerted. I just got back from overseas and need to expand my network. Could you introduce me?” Seraphina was about to reply. Suddenly, a knock on the door broke the room’s tranquility. Her brows furrowed in annoyance as she looked up at the door. I gently pushed the door open and walked in. Seraphina merely glanced at me dismissively, then lowered her head, her fingers busily tapping on her phone screen. She asked with annoyance, “What do you want?” I paused slightly, choosing my words carefully. “School starts tomorrow, and Lily hopes you can attend her orientation ceremony…” At that moment, Seraphina’s entire focus was on her phone screen; she paid no attention to what I was saying. She was typing a reply, and a “Sure” appeared on the screen. “Sure!” Seraphina instinctively blurted out. Her affirmation and the message sending happened simultaneously. I was utterly taken aback, a flicker of surprise and joy flashing in my eyes. I asked incredulously, “You agreed?” Seraphina looked up, frowning in confusion, her voice cold. “I’m going to sleep. Don’t disturb me unless it’s important!” I was about to confirm again, but Seraphina pushed me out of the master bedroom. I stood at the master bedroom door, watching Seraphina firmly shut it. I stood there, stunned, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. Just then, Lily peeked out from her room. Her eyes held a hint of apprehension and disappointment, and she whispered, “Daddy, did Mommy… not agree?” I turned, a wide smile instantly plastered on my face. “Lily, I told you to go to sleep! Why are you out of bed again?” Lily looked at me anxiously. “Daddy, did Seraphina agree?” I reached out and patted Lily’s head. “Of course she did! Seraphina agreed to attend your school orientation tomorrow.” Lily’s eyes immediately lit up. She jumped excitedly, asking in disbelief, “Really, Daddy?” Infected by Lily’s enthusiasm, I nodded heavily. “That’s great! Daddy, when Mommy comes to the orientation tomorrow, I’m going to tell her that the teacher likes me the most!” Lily exclaimed, dancing with joy, her small face radiating happiness. “Alright, alright! Our Lily is the best!” I said, picking Lily up and carrying her back to her room. At the bedside, I carefully tucked Lily into bed, diligently pulling up the covers. Lily looked on with anticipation, her eyes sparkling. “Daddy, will we go to school with Mommy as soon as I wake up?” I playfully ruffled Lily’s hair. “Yes, now go to sleep!” Lily obediently closed her eyes, a sweet smile still on her lips. I got up and quietly turned off the light and closed the door. I turned around, my gaze involuntarily drawn to Seraphina’s master bedroom, thinking to myself: Seraphina, I hope tomorrow, you won’t disappoint Lily… The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, bathing the mansion’s living room. I stood in the center of the hall, skillfully braiding Lily’s hair. She was already dressed and wore her small backpack. Lily looked upstairs, asking with anticipation, “Daddy, why isn’t Mommy down yet?” Her eyes held a mix of eagerness and longing. My hands continued their work. “After Daddy finishes your braid, we’ll go up and find Seraphina together, okay?” “Okay!” Lily obediently agreed. Soon, I finished braiding Lily’s hair. I looked at the neat, beautiful braid and smiled with satisfaction. “The braid’s done. Let’s go call Seraphina!” Lily nodded happily, her eyes sparkling with joy. I took Lily’s hand, and together, we walked upstairs. We stood at the master bedroom door and knocked, once, twice. But the room remained silent; no one answered. A look of increasing anxiety appeared on my face. Lily looked up, her eyes filled with worry: “Daddy, do you think Seraphina is sick? Maybe she didn’t hear us knocking?” I knocked more urgently, asking anxiously, “Seraphina? Seraphina? Are you in there? Say something!” My voice held a hint of unease as I pounded on the door, but still, there was no movement from inside. My brows furrowed. I said in a deep voice, “If you don’t say anything, I’m coming in…” As I spoke, I looked down at the doorknob. My mind drifted, as if transported back to the day we got our marriage certificate. Inside Seraphina’s mansion, Seraphina and I walked in, one after the other. Seraphina casually tossed the marriage certificate onto the table, then haughtily turned back to me, who was beaming with joy. “Liam, even though we’ve already gotten our certificate, I have three rules for you.” I looked at Seraphina with a wide smile and quickly replied, “Okay, tell me!” Seraphina spoke with a cold expression. “First, we must keep our marriage a secret from everyone.” “Second, you are not to enter my room or touch my things without my permission.” “Third, you are not allowed to have any intimate contact with me!” My smile froze, but I eventually nodded and softly said, “Okay!” Steeling myself, I returned to the present. I gritted my teeth, made up my mind, and pressed down on the doorknob. The unlocked door swung gently open. Lily, her heart filled with joy, ran inside, shouting, “Mommy…” However, the room was neatly tidied but empty. Lily looked back at me, puzzled. “Daddy, where’s Mommy?” I looked at the empty room, my expression blank for a moment, then I smiled and reassured Lily, “Daddy will call Seraphina right now!” I pulled out my phone and quickly dialed her number. From the other end came a cold automated message: “Hello, the number you have dialed is not answering.” Undeterred, I kept dialing. Lily’s eyes gradually dimmed, and she whispered, “Daddy, Mommy isn’t coming to my orientation, is she?” Her eyes were slightly red, filled with confusion and hurt, unable to understand why her mother had disappointed her yet again. I put away my phone, still smiling, and looked at Lily. “Seraphina probably… went to work. It’s okay, Lily. Daddy will always be with you, no matter what.” With that, I took Lily’s hand, and we left for school.
The school entrance was bustling with people, a vibrant scene. I held Lily’s hand as we slowly walked into the school. Lily kept looking back, constantly turning her head and gazing behind her, muttering, “Daddy, do you think Mommy will suddenly appear behind us and surprise us?” Her voice held a hint of anticipation, mixed with a touch of self-reassurance. “Lily, Seraphina…” I looked down, my heart aching, and gently patted Lily’s head, about to offer comfort. Suddenly, Lily’s eyes lit up. She pointed excitedly at the road, jumping with joy and shouting, “Daddy, look! It’s Mommy’s car! Mommy really came!” Her voice was full of joyous surprise. Her previously dim eyes instantly sparkled with renewed light, and all gloom vanished. She couldn’t wait to run to her mother, eager to tell her so many things. I was surprised and turned to look at the road. A familiar car slowly pulled up to the curb. Then, Seraphina elegantly stepped out of the driver’s seat. “Mom…” Lily called out one word in excitement, but her voice abruptly cut off, and the smile on her face instantly froze. Following Lily’s gaze, I saw Seraphina open the back door and gently lift Leo, Julian’s son, out of the car. Leo held a lollipop, happily licking it. Julian walked beside them, holding Seraphina’s bag. The three of them laughed and chatted, looking like a happy family. Seraphina turned her head to talk to Julian, her face radiating happiness. Lily watched Seraphina holding Leo, her eyes filled with longing, and whispered, “Mommy…” Her eyes revealed boundless envy and disappointment. Seeing this, I immediately stepped forward and took Lily’s hand. I glared at Seraphina, calling out each word distinctly, “Se-ra-phi-na!” Seraphina heard my voice and instinctively looked forward. When she saw Lily and me, She froze, her smile instantly vanished, and she asked in surprise, “Liam? What are you two doing here?” “What am I doing here? That’s a great question!” My eyes burned with fury, and I spoke, barely suppressing my anger, “Because this is Lily’s school, and I’m here for her orientation ceremony!” Seraphina froze at my words. A look of embarrassment crossed her face, and she muttered, “Lily’s… orientation ceremony?” Julian looked at me, asking Seraphina with a bewildered expression, “Who is he?” Leo, lollipop still in his mouth, mumbled along, “Mommy Seraphina, who is he?” Seraphina’s heart fluttered. She instinctively put Leo down and said somewhat unnaturally, “He’s… someone insignificant!” Julian smiled, saying meaningfully, “Oh! An insignificant person, then.” He glanced at me, then teased, “Looking at your furious expression, one might think you’re her husband!” Seraphina immediately denied it, loudly saying, “Someone like him? How could he possibly be my husband?” She gritted her teeth, glaring at me. “Someone like him, every time I see him, it makes me sick to my stomach, utterly disgusted!” I laughed, exasperated. “I make you sick to your stomach? I disgust you? Fine, fine! Since Mr. Seraphina finds me so repulsive, then from now on, I’ll make sure to appear less often before Mr. Seraphina!” Seraphina’s breath hitched. She guiltily avoided my gaze, then took Leo’s hand and turned to Julian, softly saying, “Julian, let’s go! Leo can’t be late on his first day at his new school!” Julian replied, “Alright!” Seraphina, holding Leo’s hand, walked side-by-side with Julian, and the three of them passed directly by Lily and me. Just then, Leo suddenly turned back and stuck out his tongue at me, making a face. He even shouted, “Ugh! You’re so disgusting! You two are just disgusting for disgusting my dad, it’s disgusting to the core!” Seraphina paused at his words, about to say something. But Leo suddenly hurled his lollipop at Lily and me. I quickly shielded Lily. The lollipop hit me and bounced off. Lily angrily shouted at Leo, “You can’t insult my daddy! You can’t hit my daddy!” Leo made a smug face at Lily and arrogantly said, “Mommy Seraphina, I’ll protect you from now on!” He looked at me with disdain. “If you make me unhappy, I’ll hit you every time I see you!” Julian immediately pretended to scold Leo: “Leo, what are you doing? How can you be so rude? Apologize to the man right now!” Seraphina quickly interrupted, “Apologize for what?!” She bent down, smiling at Leo. “Leo did great! That’s what a man should do to protect a woman!” Then she gave me a contemptuous look. “Unlike some scum, who only takes advantage of others!” With that, Seraphina snorted at me, then took Leo’s hand and, with Julian, strode into the school. The anger in my heart was like a raging fire, with nowhere to vent. Lily, watching their retreating backs, emerged from behind me, tightly holding my hand. Her voice was filled with disappointment. “Daddy, I thought Mommy didn’t like children, that’s why she wouldn’t hug me. But it seems… she just doesn’t like me…” Her voice was choked with tears, and her eyes were constantly welling up. I wanted to comfort Lily, but my throat felt as if it were constricted. Lily suddenly looked up. “Daddy, is that the person Mommy loves?” Her eyes held a hint of bewilderment and sadness. I froze for a moment, then slowly nodded. Lily smiled understandingly. “Daddy, Mommy only has one chance left. If she…” She paused, her eyes growing resolute. “Then we’ll leave her forever!” Yet, even after Seraphina’s egregious behavior, A trace of love for her mother still lingered in her heart, hoping for a miracle in that last chance. I caressed my daughter’s head, saying with a pang of heartache, “Alright!” But someone who constantly disappoints doesn’t suddenly change. My heart had already turned cold, and I continuously planned the preparations for our departure. Lily smiled again, took my hand, and said, “Then, Daddy, let’s hurry! We’ll be late!” She tried to appear strong, not wanting to worry her father. But the unconcealable disappointment still betrayed her inner sadness. I held Lily’s hand, and we slowly walked into the school, facing the sunlight. Our figures stretched long, long in the sunlight. Sunlight poured over the school entrance, illuminating the ground brightly. I walked slowly out of the school, holding a transfer certificate. Just out of the school gate, I immediately spotted Julian waiting there. Julian stood tall, a hint of smugness on his face. I merely gave him a fleeting glance, then carefully put away the transfer certificate, ready to leave. But Julian seemed intent on causing trouble. Seeing me about to go, he quickly stepped forward. “Liam, is it?” His tone held a touch of arrogance. I glanced back at him, my heart undisturbed, having no intention of engaging with this boring man. I lifted my foot to continue walking. Julian said smugly, “I know you’re Seraphina’s rightful husband!” But his tone clearly held a hint of mockery. I heard his words and, surprised, looked back again. But soon, my expression returned to indifference, and I calmly said, “Not for long.” My voice was quiet, yet it carried a sense of finality. Julian sneered, his face full of derision: “Liam, who are you trying to fool with that ‘I don’t care’ act? Everyone knows you’ve been fawning over Seraphina for years!” He scoffed triumphantly, “But no matter how much you devoted yourself to Seraphina, in her heart, you’ll always just be a rapist! Seeing you only makes her sick!”
I gave Julian a cold look, a wave of disgust rising in my heart. But I forced myself to endure it, not wanting to get further entangled with such a person, and once again lifted my foot to leave. “What? Can’t handle the truth?” Julian quickly stepped forward, directly blocking my path. “Liam, I advise you not to waste your time on Seraphina. She’s always loved and cared only for me. Our bond is unbreakable; no one can come between us.” “If I hadn’t left back then, a despicable lowlife like you wouldn’t have even had a chance to get near her!” Julian held his head high, his nose in the air, looking utterly superior. Hearing this, I merely asked coldly, “Really? If your bond was so unbreakable, why did you abandon her seven years ago and run off with that socialite in Northwood?” These words were like a sharp blade, stabbing directly at Julian’s sore spot, tearing away his facade. Julian’s face instantly turned extremely ugly. He glared at me furiously and shouted, “Shut up!” The corners of my mouth curled into a faint smile. “What? Did I hit a nerve, Mr. Julian?” Julian trembled with rage. He glowered at me, saying, “Liam, don’t think that just because you married Seraphina, you can actually have her. I’m telling you, my place in her heart is unmatched!” At this, his face again broke into that sinister smirk, “Do you believe me if I say, all I have to do is wave at her, and she’ll come running to me like a dog, wagging her tail?” Hearing Julian compare Seraphina to a dog, my previously controlled emotions instantly erupted. My face immediately darkened. I gritted my teeth and said coldly, “Normally, I don’t hit people!” The words were barely out of my mouth when I fiercely swung my fist, landing it squarely on Julian’s face. “But I hit animals! Julian, I’m warning you, clean up your mouth!” Julian staggered from the punch, nearly falling to the ground. He clutched his face, looking at me with disbelief, his eyes filled with shock and fury. Just then, a cry came, “Liam!” Julian and I both turned. Seraphina came rushing out of the school. Her steps were hurried, her expression anxious. She came straight over, forcefully pushed me, then quickly shielded Julian behind her. Seraphina glared at me furiously, shouting, “Liam, am I giving you too much leeway?!” Her eyes blazed with anger, as if she wanted to devour me. I clutched my face, instantly stunned. I looked at Seraphina, unable to believe my wife would so unjustly accuse me for the sake of another man. Seraphina nervously turned back, her eyes fixed on Julian. Julian’s face was now bruised and purple from my punch, a trickle of blood at the corner of his mouth. He looked rather disheveled. Seraphina’s heart ached. She reached out to touch the wound on Julian’s face, asking with deep concern, “Julian, are you okay? Does it hurt?” Julian gently shook his head, feigning bravery, “I’m fine, Seraphina, it doesn’t hurt.” As he spoke, he deliberately cast a fearful glance at me, adding fuel to the fire, “I don’t know what happened, he just suddenly attacked me…” Seraphina listened, then immediately turned back to me, demanding furiously, “Liam, did you take the wrong medicine today?” I was so angry I put my hands on my hips, pressing my tongue against the inside of my cheek where I’d been hit. Trying to suppress my rage, I began, “Seraphina, do you know what he just said about you…” But Seraphina wouldn’t let me finish. She angrily cut me off: “Who he is, what he says, what does it have to do with you? Liam, do you realize that what you’re doing only makes me more disgusted, more repulsed?!” “I disgust you?” Hearing this, a self-deprecating, defeated smile spread across my face. “Since I disgust you so much, I won’t offend your eyes any longer!” I looked up at the two of them. “Ms. Seraphina, I wish you both… a long and happy life together!” With that, I turned to leave. Seeing this, Seraphina immediately stepped forward and grabbed my sleeve. Her expression was imperious as she loudly demanded, “Liam, you hit someone and think you can just leave? Apologize to Julian!” Hearing this, I couldn’t help but let out a cynical laugh. “You want me to apologize to an idiot?” My eyes were full of disdain. I forcefully shook off Seraphina’s hand, stating resolutely, “Impossible!” Seraphina staggered from my force, almost falling. She looked at her empty hand for a moment, seemingly unable to believe I would do that to her. “Liam, you…” She was about to speak, but Julian interrupted. “Seraphina, it’s fine, I’m okay. Perhaps this gentleman… misunderstood something!” He reached up to touch his injured face, forcing a false smile, “Maybe he’s just jealous because he likes you so much and saw us together. After all, my Seraphina is so amazing!” As he spoke, he meaningfully glanced at me, his eyes filled with triumph and mockery. Then he deliberately, in front of me, intimately tucked a strand of hair behind Seraphina’s ear. Julian’s lips curled into a mocking smile as he continued, “I wonder what kind of man my Seraphina will marry in the future, but I bet it won’t be a kept man like this gentleman, who clearly only knows how to live off women.” His voice was soft, yet it cut through me like a sharp knife, piercing my heart. Seraphina’s body stiffened slightly at his words. She instinctively glanced at me. A flicker of complex emotion crossed her eyes. Quickly, she composed herself and awkwardly changed the subject. “Julian, let’s… let’s go first…” But Julian wasn’t ready to let me off easily. He took Seraphina’s hand, a seemingly innocent smile on his face, though cunningly hidden. “Seraphina! It seems this gentleman really likes you. Don’t you want to make things clear… so those pesky flies stop buzzing around the flower?” Seraphina was instantly enraged by his words. She glared at me furiously and shouted, “What right does he have to like me? What right does he have to hover around me?” She warned me, “Liam, if you don’t know your place, I will make sure you lose everything!” I scoffed. “Go ahead. I don’t care about anything you have anyway!” My eyes showed utter resolve. I had completely given up on Seraphina.
Seraphina grew even angrier at my words, her chest heaving violently as she yelled, “Fine, Liam, you said it! You just wait and see!” With that, Seraphina turned to Julian. “Come on, Julian, I’ll take you to the doctor.” Julian smiled and replied, “Alright!” Seraphina pulled Julian along, and he suddenly glanced back at me. When our eyes met, Julian mouthed the word, “Loser!” He then smiled triumphantly, turned his head, and provocatively placed his hand on Seraphina’s waist. I stood rooted to the spot, watching their intimate backs, my hands clenched into tight fists. Seraphina, I hope you don’t regret this. Under the setting sun, the sky was painted crimson. At the school gates, the dismissal bell rang, and students poured out like a tide, laughter echoing in the air. Lily, with her small backpack, spotted me standing not far away. Her eyes instantly lit up. She happily ran towards me, shouting, “Daddy!” I patted Lily’s head and softly asked, “How was your first day of school? Did you have fun with your classmates?” Lily nodded vigorously, excitedly raising her hand to show me a gold star she held, saying, “Of course I did! The teacher even gave me a gold star!” Her small face radiated pride. The gold star shimmered brightly in the golden light of the setting sun. I immediately praised her, “Our Lily is so smart!” Just as Lily was happily smiling, her peripheral vision caught Seraphina walking out of the school, holding Leo. Lily turned her head to look, and I followed her gaze. Leo was listlessly slumped on Seraphina’s shoulder, his small face pale. Seraphina looked full of apologies, her tone sincere as she said, “Ms. Davis, I’m so sorry. Leo’s father had an emergency, so he couldn’t answer your call. My Leo is sick, and I’m so grateful for your care!” Ms. Davis smiled gently. “It’s quite alright, Leo’s mother. Leo just arrived from overseas and isn’t used to the environment here yet, plus it’s cold, which is why he got sick. Please take good care of him when you get home!” Seraphina’s expression softened, and she nodded. “I will! Thank you for your concern, teacher. I’ll take Leo home now!” Ms. Davis smiled and nodded. The moment Seraphina turned with Leo in her arms, her gaze swept over Lily and me, and she froze. Lily looked at Seraphina, her eyes filled with envy, and she unconsciously whispered, “Mommy…” Seraphina looked at Lily, a hint of awkwardness in her expression. She opened her mouth, intending to explain, but the words that came out were once again those of haughty arrogance: “What are you looking at? Leo’s sick, and Julian couldn’t make it, so I came to pick him up!” No sooner had Seraphina spoken than Leo spotted a vendor selling candied fruit skewers at the school gate, and his eyes suddenly lit up. He immediately struggled in Seraphina’s arms. “Mommy Seraphina, Mommy Seraphina, I want candied fruit skewers!” Seraphina staggered slightly from Leo’s sudden movement. She quickly held him tighter, soothing him gently, “Alright, alright, Leo, Mommy Seraphina will buy you whatever you want!” “Really, Mommy Seraphina? I also want to go to the amusement park!” “Okay, once our Leo gets better, we’ll go to the amusement park!” Leo immediately cheered happily. Seraphina, holding Leo, strode past Lily and me, heading out of the school. When Leo saw Lily from Seraphina’s arms, his eyes darted slyly, and he pulled a face at Lily. Lily was utterly disappointed. She looked up at me, confused, “Daddy, I thought Mommy didn’t hug me because she didn’t like little kids, but it seems… she just doesn’t like *me*…” Her voice was choked with tears, and her eyes were constantly welling up. My heart ached. I sadly patted Lily’s head, unable to bear shattering the beautiful hope in Lily’s heart. My voice was hoarse and hesitant. “Maybe… maybe she would…” My gaze followed Seraphina’s retreating back. I sighed helplessly in my heart: Seraphina, how can I explain to our daughter that once prejudice takes root, it blinds you, making you stubborn and unwilling to see the truth… Lily thoughtfully glanced at Seraphina again, then smiled and reached out to take my hand. “Daddy, let’s go home!” I looked down at Lily, smiling softly. “Alright, let’s go home!” Bathed in the setting sun, I held Lily’s hand, and our figures slowly walked into the distance. … Night shrouded Seraphina’s mansion, the indoor lights soft. In the bathroom, Lily, dressed in her pajamas, strained to stand on a stool, reaching up to finally grasp the showerhead. Then, she closed her eyes and gently twisted it. Cold water instantly sprayed out, hitting her delicate face and body. “Mommy, if I got sick, would you… would you hug me too?” Meanwhile, in the kitchen, I wore comfortable loungewear with an apron tied around my waist. I placed the last dish on the dining table, untied my apron, and called towards Lily’s room, “Lily, Daddy made your favorite cola chicken wings! Come eat!” However, the room was silent. I frowned slightly, draped the apron over a dining chair, and walked towards Lily’s room. “Lily, dinner’s ready!” Pushing open Lily’s door, the room was empty. A surge of unease rose in my heart. I began to search everywhere. Suddenly, I heard a “clank” as something fell in the bathroom. My face instantly drained of color, and my heart clenched. I immediately ran towards the bathroom. Bursting through the bathroom door, the sight before me was unbearable. Lily lay on the floor, eyes closed, her face ashen, soaking wet. My heart felt as if an invisible hand had gripped it tightly. I rushed over in a panic. My voice trembled, filled with endless dread, “Lily…” I immediately ran over, quickly turned off the shower, and in a frantic motion, took off my jacket, wrapping Lily in it with immense tension. I called softly, “Lily, Lily…” My voice was filled with worry and heartache. Lily struggled to open her eyes and weakly called out, “Daddy…” “Lily, what were you doing?” My voice was strained with panic. “Daddy, if Lily gets sick, will Mommy… come back to be with Lily?” Lily tried to force a smile. Hearing this, I froze completely, my eyes quickly welling up. “Lily, why are you so silly!” Forcing back my grief, I nervously picked Lily up. I held Lily, stumbling as I ran out. That night, returning from the hospital. Lily lay in bed, her small face flushed crimson from fever, looking incredibly weak, with a children’s cooling patch on her forehead. I sat by her bed, holding a thermometer, carefully checking the reading. After reading it, I sighed softly with relief. “100.2 degrees Fahrenheit.” I gently stroked Lily’s little face, saying with a pang of heartache, “Finally, the fever’s broken!” Lily, asleep in bed, instinctively snuggled into my hand, murmuring in her sleep, “Mommy… Mommy…” Her voice was faint, yet filled with longing. My movements stilled. A sharp pain pierced my heart. I softly called out, “Lily?” Lily remained deep in sleep. She whimpered in her sleep, even with a hint of crying, “Mommy, hug me, Mommy…” Watching my daughter like this, my heart ached beyond measure. I gently patted Lily, comforting her, “Lily, Daddy’s here, Daddy’s here!”
Lily seemed to hear my voice and suddenly opened her tear-filled eyes, tears rolling down her cheeks. She sobbed, “Daddy… I want Mommy, I want Mommy to hug me…” My breathing abruptly grew heavier. I forced back the inner pain and said, “Okay, Daddy will call Mommy and ask her to come back, okay?” Lily weakly replied, “Okay…” I immediately pulled out my phone and found Seraphina’s number. I looked at the familiar yet strange number, thinking to myself: Seraphina, this is Lily’s last chance for you. I hope you don’t disappoint her again! I took a deep breath, composed myself, and then pressed the dial button. From the other end came a cold, robotic female voice: “Hello, the number you have dialed is not answering. Please try again later…” I frowned, but didn’t give up, continuing to dial. On the third attempt, the call finally connected. However, the other end was filled with noisy commotion, like being in a lively party. Ignoring where Seraphina might be, I quickly said, “Seraphina, Lily has a fever; she…” Before I could finish, Seraphina’s impatient, angry voice cut me off: “Liam, are you a stubborn disease? Why do you always bother me? I’m warning you, I have important things to handle out here. If you dare bother me again, just get lost!” With that, the call was abruptly hung up. My face was livid with rage. I didn’t want to disappoint Lily again, so I had no choice but to keep calling Seraphina’s number. The phone tone sounded again: “Hello, the number you have dialed is switched off!” I was about to continue calling when my phone received a multimedia message from an unknown number. I paused, then clicked it open. It was a video, accompanied by a text message: “Liam, look how much Seraphina loves Leo, how much she loves children!” My hands trembling, I tapped to play the video. In the video, many people were gathered, celebrating a birthday. Leo sat in the middle, with Seraphina and Julian standing on either side of him, the three of them looking like a family. They were singing “Happy Birthday.” After the song, Seraphina leaned down, patiently coaxing Leo: “Leo, make a wish!” Leo clasped his hands together, his eyes tightly closed, earnestly making a wish to the cake, even speaking it aloud: “My wish is for Mommy Seraphina to become my real mom!” Seraphina stroked Leo’s head, saying gently, “Leo’s wish is so small; of course, Mommy Seraphina will make it come true! So – from now on, I’ll be Leo’s mom!” “Really?” Leo turned back in surprise, looking at Seraphina. Seraphina smiled and nodded. Instantly, the surrounding crowd cheered, pulling party poppers in celebration. “Congratulations to Julian and Seraphina! After seven years, you’ve rekindled your love and reunited!” Leo cheered excitedly, “I have a mommy! I have a mommy again!” He turned to Julian. “Daddy, let’s cut the cake with Mommy!” Julian’s face held a doting smile, and he nodded. “Alright!” Leo held the cake knife first, Seraphina gently held Leo’s hand, and Julian then held Seraphina’s hand. The three of them slowly cut the cake together. The video ended there. I gripped my phone tightly, my knuckles turning white from the force. I gritted my teeth in anger, the fury in my heart threatening to consume me. Seraphina, your own child is burning up with fever at home, and you’re rushing off to be someone else’s stepmother! Just then, I turned my head and saw Lily had opened her eyes, silently watching me. I instantly panicked. I quickly put away my phone, my voice soft and gentle, “Lily…” Lily placed her hand on mine, weakly saying, “Daddy, I heard everything!” My heart ached. I looked at my daughter, my eyes filled with guilt. “Daddy, Seraphina has no more chances. We… let’s leave!” Her voice, though weak, was incredibly firm. I sadly reached up and stroked Lily’s face, saying, “Alright!” In the dimly lit room, I sat by the bed, softly coaxing Lily to sleep. On the nightstand, the pieced-together family photo was turned face down. … The next morning, sunlight filtered through the hotel curtains, spilling into the room. The sharp ring of my phone alarm shattered the room’s quiet. Seraphina lay in bed, woken by the alarm. She reached for her phone to check the time. On the phone screen, there was a SnapChat message from me: *How ironic that innocent young Lily, desperate for a shred of motherly love, even showered in cold water to get sick. Yet, you cruelly crushed her last bit of hope. Seraphina, Lily and I couldn’t melt your heart, so we grant you your freedom.* Seraphina sat up, annoyance etched on her face. She mumbled, “What’s Liam’s problem so early in the morning?!” She was about to call and scold me, but then she saw her call log and froze. Memories of yesterday’s events flickered in her mind. Inside a hotel private room, the lights were dazzling, and a group of people were celebrating Leo’s birthday. Everyone was singing “Happy Birthday,” their voices cheerful. Just then, my phone call came in, its ringtone conspicuously loud in the private room. She ignored it, but the phone kept ringing relentlessly, drawing everyone’s gaze. She answered, annoyed. My voice came through the phone: “Seraphina, Lily has a fever; she…” She immediately snapped, cutting me off impatiently, “If she has a fever, give her medicine! Liam, you’re a grown man; do you really need to tell me about a small thing like a fever?” She angrily hung up the phone then, tossing it aside. She then put on a smile again, telling Leo, “Come on, let’s continue celebrating your birthday!” She pulled herself out of the memory. Seraphina muttered to herself, “Did I mishear last night? Was it Lily who was sick, not Liam?” Another scene flashed through Seraphina’s mind. She and Lily stood in front of a cake shop. The shop lights streamed through the glass door, illuminating them. She was on the phone, dealing with work, her expression focused. Lily, meanwhile, stood at the glass window, eyes wide, gazing longingly at a Barbie doll cake, her small face filled with desire. After hanging up, Seraphina saw Lily staring at the cake and paused for a moment. Then she walked over and led Lily away. Lily kept looking back at the cake, her eyes filled with reluctance. Seraphina murmured softly, “Six years… I guess I’ve never actually bought Lily a cake…” She thought for a moment, then pulled out her phone and called her assistant: “Go buy me a Barbie doll cake and have it delivered to my doorstep to wait for me…” Seraphina hung up, got out of bed, grabbed her coat, and hurried out of the room.
At noon, a convoy of luxury cars drove majestically, slowly pulling up to Seraphina’s mansion. In Lily’s room, Lily reluctantly looked at the photo on her nightstand. Beneath the photo lay divorce papers and a letter. She reached out and carefully touched Seraphina’s picture. I stood at Lily’s door, taking a call: “The car to pick you up has arrived. Get ready and bring Lily into the car. I’ll be waiting for you at the Grand Regency Hotel.” “Got it!” Hanging up, I turned to Lily and said, “Lily, let’s go!” “Okay!” Lily picked up the photo frame and slowly placed it face down on top of the divorce papers and letter. Then, she turned and ran towards me. I smiled faintly, then took Lily’s hand and my suitcase, striding towards the door. At the same time, around the corner of the mansion, the assistant waited quietly, holding an exquisite Barbie cake. Seraphina elegantly stepped out of her car, took the cake, then hurried towards the mansion. As Lily and I exited the mansion, two bodyguards emerged from one of the luxury cars and immediately took our suitcases. We stood in front of the mansion, glancing back at the house. Seraphina, carrying the cake, walked out from around the corner, smiling as she headed forward. Her gaze was fixed ahead, not noticing the people passing by. I turned, hugging Lily as we got into the car. The convoy started, slowly driving away. I sat with Lily in my arms. Lily turned her head to look out the window, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. The car window slowly went up, and Lily turned her head to face forward. Just then, the moving car perfectly passed by Seraphina, who was carrying the cake. Seraphina was completely unaware of our near miss, and continued walking towards the mansion. The car window fully closed. Seraphina, carrying the cake, smiled as she entered the mansion. Her figure vanished behind the door, and the convoy slowly drove away, leaving behind a silence… Seraphina, carrying the exquisite Barbie cake, walked into the mansion, only to find it empty. She instinctively looked towards the kitchen. Images from the past couldn’t help but flash through her mind:
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