Chapter 1 Chapter 1

"Mommy, I don't want to go to school." Eve's dress was wrinkled when she came home, and her hair was a little messy. I immediately knelt down and held her in my arms, asking what was wrong. "The other kids said I don't have a dad... that I'm a child nobody wants." Her eyes were red from crying as she curled up against me. My heart ached for her. "Didn't Daddy promise to attend Family Day at school today?" At the mention of her father, Eve's tears fell even harder. "He came... but he brought Linda with him. He wouldn't let me call him 'Dad.' Linda said he's her dad. Mommy, does Dad not want me because I'm not a good girl?" I held her tighter. I had thought when Roy said he would go to school today, it was to attend Family Day with our daughter. I never imagined he would show up only to enroll Linda, the daughter of his deceased best friend. I wanted to comfort Eve, but the memory of Roy's cold indifference made the words stick in my throat. I regretted everything. Louis had been Roy's best friend for years, but five years ago, Louis died of an illness, leaving behind his wife, Sammy, and their newborn daughter, Linda. When Roy learned the news, he immediately requested a transfer overseas. He told me, "Life is too hard for a woman raising a one-month-old baby alone. They need a man around." But he forgot that we had only just gotten married. For five years, I raised our daughter alone. I walked into the hospital by myself. I signed the birth papers by myself. Even naming Eve took a month of urging before he finally replied with a short email. I thought five years would be enough for him to fulfill whatever responsibility he felt toward Louis' widow. I waited five years for him to come back. But he didn't return for us—he came back because Sammy said, "I want to see the city you live in." He gave up a promising overseas career, dissolved his company, and brought them back to settle down. He even enrolled Linda in Eve's school himself. To prevent Linda from being bullied, he refused to let his own daughter call him 'Dad' in public. I looked at the pretty dress Eve had picked out just to welcome her father. Last night, she had been too excited to sleep. This morning, she clung to me, shyly asking, "Mommy, do I look pretty today? Will Daddy like me?" And now, here she was, disheveled and heartbroken. I closed my eyes, trying to hold back the pain swelling inside me. "I'm sorry, Eve. It's not your fault. It's mine. Next time, I'll attend Family Day with you." Exhausted from crying, Eve slowly fell asleep in my arms, still clutching a five-year-old photo of Roy. My heart felt like it was being pierced by needles. If I hadn't been so naive five years ago, maybe Eve wouldn't have to suffer like this now.

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Fifteen years ago, my brother, caught up in his playful mischief, set off fireworks inside the house and accidentally ignited a fire. He ran out, leaving me trapped in the attic. Thick smoke filled my lungs, making me lightheaded. Flames licked at the wooden beams above, and just when I thought I would die there, Roy appeared. He climbed up to the attic, shattered the window, and carried me out. Then he gave me CPR. When my consciousness returned, the first thing I saw were Roy's eyes—a striking shade of green, filled with tension and urgency. From that moment, I was hopelessly drawn to him. I fell in love with Roy that day and nursed an unspoken affection for him over the next ten years. Later, we discovered Roy was the youngest son of the Reid Group's owner. Reid Group was the largest trading corporation in the region. It was clear we lived in entirely different worlds. My father often said that if his company could establish a connection with the Reid Group, our family could rise to a whole new social class. But precisely because of this, I kept my feelings hidden. I didn't want Roy to think my affection was just a calculated move for business gains. Then, five years ago, my father's company faced a crisis. That Christmas, my father invited me to go skiing in the mountains. When I arrived at the forest cabin, I didn't find him—only Roy, drunk and lying on the bed, a satin ribbon tied loosely around his body like a present. I stood frozen in disbelief, then grabbed my phone and called my father. "Dad! You can't do this! I know you're nearby. Come out now!" His voice came through the receiver, calm and unyielding. "You and Roy clearly like each other. When he's drunk, he even calls your name. But you're both too reserved. I'm just giving you a little push. Penny, our family needs the Reid Group. This is the best solution." I reached for my coat, intending to leave, but an odd sensation crept over me. My body felt warm, dizzy. My father's voice carried on. "I lit some exotic incense in the room. I hope you two enjoy your evening." That night, the world blurred and spun away. When morning came, I woke to find Roy asleep beside me. Overwhelmed by a reckless joy, I leaned in to give him a soft good-morning kiss. But Roy pushed me away. I pulled back awkwardly, intending to brush the whole thing off as a one-night stand. I never wanted to trap him. Before I could speak, Roy cut through the silence. "Let's get married, Penny," he said coolly. "I'll take responsibility." Dizzy with happiness, I nodded, believing it was the beginning of a beautiful life together. The wedding was small and rushed. Even Roy's father didn't attend. I made excuses for him, trying to convince myself that his indifference wasn't personal. But one night at a gathering, I overheard Roy speaking to a friend. "Penny? I used to like her," he said, his voice laced with disdain. "But she's the kind of woman who gives herself away before marriage. Just thinking about the way she threw herself at me makes me sick. Marrying her was just something I had to do. A form of charity. My family would never accept someone like her. I haven't even told my father she exists." I wanted to explain. But the next day, Roy accepted an overseas transfer and left without another word. That night, however, left me with a child. Our daughter, Eve, was innocent. She deserved to be loved and cherished like any other child. I pulled out my phone, ready to call Roy, but before I could dial, the door swung open. Roy stepped in and was stunned for a brief second when his eyes met mine. Then, his gaze drifted to Eve, barely acknowledging her existence, before looking away. "For tomorrow's community event," he said. "I'll be taking Sammy and Linda. You two shouldn't bother coming."

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

I looked at Roy in confusion. He explained, "Sammy is planning to settle down in our community, closer to us. Participating in community activities will help her and Linda get familiar with the place. If you and Eve come along, it might make them uncomfortable. Besides, Linda doesn't like it when other people call me 'Dad.'" I felt a sharp anger rise in my chest. There were limits to how shameless a person could be, and Roy had crossed them. The words burst out of me before I could stop myself. "Roy, do you even remember that Eve is your biological daughter?" My voice trembled. "Do you know what the kids at school are saying about her?" Roy frowned slightly, cutting me off. "Penny, I don't need you to remind me that Eve is my daughter. I'm sorry about what happened at school today, but I hope you can understand—Linda is an orphan. And you know how easy it is for orphans to be bullied at school. If I don't take her to school or let her call me 'Dad,' it would upset her." My heart pounded violently against my ribs, anger twisting inside me. I struggled to keep my voice low, not wanting to wake our daughter. "Linda is an orphan. And what about my child? She hasn't had her dad by her side her entire life. How is that any different from being an orphan? She's been waiting so eagerly for you to come home, and yet you were holding another child's hand at her school.""Enough, Penny!" His patience snapped. "I don't want to argue with you. When did you become so unreasonable?" With that, he yanked off his tie, turned, and disappeared into the guest room upstairs, slamming the door shut behind him. My silent, helpless sobs filled the empty room. If I had known it would come to this, I would rather have frozen to death in the mountains than spent the night in that mountain cabin with him. Business deals, secret crushes—none of it mattered anymore. Not compared to my poor Eve. The next morning, Eve woke up early, clutching two little dresses in her hands. She bounced into my room, her face glowing with excitement. "Mommy, wake up! It's community day, and we're going to see Mrs. Olf. Daddy's coming too! Which dress should I wear?""You'd look beautiful in anything," I said softly, forcing a smile. I brushed her hair, fixed her breakfast, and took her outside. This was our community. Why should we step aside for Sammy and Linda? By the time we arrived at Mrs. Olf's garden, the place was already buzzing with neighbors. They were all gathered around Sammy and Linda, their voices warm and welcoming. As we stepped in, I felt their glances flicker toward me, then back to Sammy. Some eyes held pity, others curiosity, a few laced with cold amusement. But the children knew nothing of these unspoken judgments. They lived in their own world, untouched by adult cruelty. After a night's sleep, Eve had already forgiven Roy. In her heart, he was still her daddy. She spotted him across the lawn and dashed toward him, calling out joyfully, "Daddy! Daddy!" But Roy wasn't looking at her. He was gently handing Linda a piece of cake, his face soft with affection. As Eve ran toward him, his brows knit together in irritation. Displeasure flickered across his face. The grass was still wet from last night's rain, and Eve, running too fast, slipped just before reaching him. Roy could have caught her—his hand was close enough to do so. Instead, he pulled Linda into his arms and stepped back, leaving Eve to fall hard into the muddy ground. He glanced down at Linda's dress and smiled. "Good thing your pretty dress didn't get dirty," he said softly. Linda beamed and kissed him on the cheek. "Daddy, you're the best. You're like a superhero!" Meanwhile, Eve struggled to push herself up from the mud. Her dress was ruined, her cheeks streaked with dirt. It was one of the neighbors who finally helped her to her feet. Linda's laughter rang out. "Haha, what a mess! You look like an ugly clown." Eve bit her lip, swallowing back her tears. She didn't care about her scraped knees or the pain blooming beneath her skin. Her only concern was the photograph in her little bag—a treasured picture of Roy from five years ago. She fumbled to pull it out, checking it anxiously. It was wet, but still intact. She let out a breath of relief and carefully wiped the droplets away. But before she could tuck it back into her bag, a small hand snatched it from her grasp. "What a stupid photo!" Linda said, her voice full of scorn.

Chapter 4 Chapter 4

Linda snatched the photo from my hand and tore it into pieces. "Why do you have a picture of my dad? Everyone at school says you're a illegitimate child. You're not allowed to call him 'Dad.'" Eve stared at the torn fragments as they scattered into the muddy puddle, her small shoulders trembling before she finally broke down in tears. My heart ached. Without a word, I scooped her up in my arms and fixed a cold, unwavering gaze on Linda. "Apologize." Roy immediately stepped in front of Linda, his face darkening. "Penny, that's enough. She's just a child. Why are you being so harsh?" His tone was laced with irritation, as if I were the unreasonable one. "I warned you not to bring her here today," he continued. "Linda doesn't like anyone else calling me 'Dad.' And anyway, it's just a photo." I didn't move. My arms tightened protectively around Eve as I stared at Linda, who was smirking in Roy's embrace. "Just a photo?" My voice was low and cold. "Do you know, Roy? While you hold someone else's child and lull her to sleep, our daughter only has that photo to hold while she calls out for her father." I looked straight at him. "She called Eve a illegitimate child, Roy. Tell her. Is it true?" Roy's expression shifted. His eyes flickered away, and instead of answering, he adjusted his grip on Linda, murmuring soft reassurances. But there was no apology. Sammy, with her ever-pleasant smile, stepped in smoothly, her voice gentle and soothing. "I'm sorry, Penny. Linda grew up with Roy, and she's always been a bit straightforward. Please, don't take it to heart." At her words, Linda clung tighter to Roy and shot us a triumphant look, even sticking out her tongue as if she had already won. I ignored them and kept my gaze locked on Roy. "I'll ask you again. Is Eve a illegitimate child?" Trapped, Roy's composure cracked. His face twisted with frustration as he spat out, "You know damn well how she became my daughter!" With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, holding Linda close. I stood still, watching his retreating figure as the chill spread through my chest. He was the one who abandoned our family. He was the one who pushed me to this point. "Roy, let's get a divorce." His steps faltered for just a moment, but he didn't turn back. "If you think that threat will work on me, Penny, do whatever you want." Sammy followed behind him, the corners of her lips curving into a faint smile. As she walked past me, she turned her head slightly and spoke in a soft, apologetic tone. "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to cause a fight between you two. You know Roy's just being kind. Especially after Louis passed on, Roy worries about us being left alone. As for that photo, we have plenty at home. I can find a replacement for you. Though most of them are group photos. Roy rarely takes pictures alone—he prefers taking photos with Linda." By now, Roy had reached the street corner, holding Linda as she called out, "Mommy, Mommy!" They looked like a perfect little family. Sammy gave me one last apologetic glance before hurrying after them. She caught up easily, brushing against Roy with casual intimacy. With a teasing lilt, she asked, "You won't actually divorce Penny, will you?" Roy's mocking voice carried back to me. "She and her family schemed for this marriage. She wouldn't dare let it go. And even if she wanted to, do you think her father would let her? His pathetic little company only survives by clinging to the Reid Group." He continued, "Don't worry. She'll wait for me at home like a loyal dog, hoping I'll come back and scratch her under the chin." I watched their figures fade into the distance and couldn't help but laugh bitterly. 'People change, Roy. The woman who once loved you enough to abandon everything no longer exists. Now, the only thing I care about is protecting my daughter's heart.' When we got home, Eve crawled into the wardrobe and curled up inside. She always did this when she was hurt. It had taken me so long to break that habit. Yet Roy had only been back a week, and already she was shrinking away again. I wrapped her in a soft blanket and held her close as I sorted through documents—preparing to cancel my citizenship and leave the country for good. The doorbell rang, breaking the silence. Was that Roy? Back so soon? The thought flickered across my mind, but I quickly dismissed it. Impossible. I had just seen a post on social media from Sammy—a photo of Roy and Linda sharing an ice cream in the park. I opened the door and froze in surprise. The man standing before me looked so much like Roy—but taller, older, more refined. His emerald-green eyes held a depth that Roy's never did. There was an air of quiet authority about him, and the faint scent of cedar drifted from his coat. He removed his hat, bowing his head slightly in a gesture both polite and deliberate. "Hello, Penny," he said. "I am Roy's father. You could call me 'Dad,' but I would prefer you call me Ryan."

Chapter 5 Chapter 5

"Penny?" It took me a moment to register that Ryan was speaking to me. When I finally nodded, he bent down slightly, his gaze shifting toward the figure hiding behind me. "And this must be little Eve?" Eve peeked out from behind my legs, her wide eyes fixed on him. "Daddy?" I expected her to shy away, but to my surprise, she ran straight into his arms. Ryan reacted swiftly, catching her with ease. A warm, easy smile spread across his face as he held her close. I cleared my throat, feeling a flicker of awkwardness as I patted Eve. "You've got it wrong, Eve. This isn't your daddy—he's your grandpa. He's your daddy's daddy. They look alike, that's all." But no matter how many times I tried to correct her, Eve refused to let go of Ryan. Ryan only chuckled softly, brushing aside my apologies with a wave of his hand as he carried Eve into the living room. "I'm sorry," I said again, trailing after him. "She just… misses Roy too much." The moment I mentioned Roy, something heavy settled in my chest, dragging my mood down with it. Ryan's eyes flickered briefly to the papers scattered across the table—legal documents, passports, the pieces of a life being quietly dismantled. Understanding flashed in his expression. "I'm the one who should apologize," he said. "My son has caused you a lot of pain. Roy's mother died shortly after he was born. I raised him alone, but I poured too much of myself into my work and too little into raising a child. Somewhere along the way, I failed to teach him how to love properly." He continued, "After he came of age, Roy returned to the country. Our relationship became purely professional—whatever was left of us as father and son had faded by then. I didn't even know he'd married you until the wedding was over. He just sent a brief message, as if it were a minor detail. Later, I began to see photos on his social media—pictures of him, Sammy, and Linda. I assumed—" He stopped mid-sentence, shaking his head faintly. "I had a private investigator track you down," he admitted. "That's how I found this address. I wanted to understand the woman my son had left behind. And the more I learned, the more I saw how remarkable you are." His words hung in the air, simple and sincere. I felt a flush creep up my neck, and I looked away, unsure how to respond. Ryan seemed to sense my discomfort and shifted his focus back to Eve. From a suitcase, he produced a Barbie doll—custom-made, with delicate features that mirrored Eve's own. "For our little princess," he said, offering the doll with a gentle smile. Eve's face lit up in pure delight. Without hesitation, Ryan settled down beside her, helping her braid the doll's hair. The sight was almost surreal—the formidable CEO of the Reid Group sitting cross-legged on my living room floor, playing with Barbie dolls as if nothing in the world mattered more. By the time Eve drifted off to sleep, Ryan had already tucked her into bed. He lingered by her side, watching as I pulled the blanket up to her chin and switched on the nightlight. That night, we shared dinner at my kitchen table. Ryan praised my homemade lasagna more times than I could count. "It's nothing special," I said, brushing off the compliment. "I only learned how to make it because Roy liked it." This was my signature dish, sure. But the CEO of Reid Group must've tasted countless tasty food across the globe. However, Ryan's praise was too sincere to be mere politeness. There was something disarming about his warmth—an ease that made me lower my guard before I even realized it. Maybe that's why, as the evening stretched on, I began to tell him everything. I told him how I met Roy. How my father, desperate to secure a business deal, had forced Roy into my bed. When I finished, I stole a glance at Ryan, expecting—what? Disgust, maybe. Judgment. But all I saw was a faint press of his lips, as if he were weighing my words carefully. The silence stretched, making my pulse quicken with anxiety. "I've already decided to divorce Roy," I blurted out, as if that would somehow erase the ugliness of the past. "I won't bring any trouble to the Reid Group." For a moment, Ryan said nothing. Then, slowly, one brow arched in amusement. "Relax, Penny," he said, a faint smile curling his lips. "Sacrificing yourself for love or family—it's all the same kind of courage. Though…" He paused, his eyes glinting with a touch of mischief. "If your father really wanted a deal, maybe he should've wrapped me up in a bow and sent me to your bed instead." He leaned back, his voice lower—teasing but not unkind. "But I'll warn you—I hold my liquor well. If I ever end up wrapped in a bow, you can be sure it's by choice."