Chapter 3

"Did your mom teach you to say that?

"That woman is an expert at playing me for a fool."

……

The whole drama ended with the teacher unlocking the bathroom door, taking the phone, and hanging up.

But for the rest of the day, Emma was distracted and gloomy.

I was also on edge.

That evening, when Russel came to pick up Emma, Xander blocked their way at the entrance.

Emma lowered her head slightly and shot a glare at Xander who was in front of her.

Xander stared coldly at Russel. "Amber is dead?"

Russel was not in the mood for pleasantries either. "You divorced her a long time ago, and now you're about to get engaged. Why do you even care?"

At the word "engaged," Emma visibly flinched. Her anger was intensifying as she glared at the sharply dressed man before her.

"Don’t be upset, Emma. It’s okay. Mom has nothing to do with him anymore," I wanted to comfort Emma.

Just then, a few kids still at the kindergarten aftercare came out and started pointing at Emma.

"Hey, isn’t the bossy kid in our class the one with no mom or dad? How come you have two uncles picking you up today?"

"Are both of these uncles lining up to be your new dad?"

"Why are you crying? You’re always yelling at us, but now you’re bawling."

"Your mom’s already dead, so even if you cry, no one will wipe your tears at home."

Russel pulled Emma into his arms as her tears fell like pearls.

I was so frustrated I wanted to stomp my feet and give those bratty kids a good smack.

Suddenly, I saw a large hand lift the boy who had made the last remark right off the ground.

Xander, looking as cold and menacing as a ghost, was furious. "If any of you ever bully Emma again, I’ll not only make sure your parents lose their jobs, I’ll cut out your tongues."

He glared down at the kids, one by one.

Terrified, they scattered in fear.

After scaring off the bullies, Xander seemed to be reflecting on what they had said.

He looked almost ridiculous.

Then, he turned to Russel. "Is Amber really dead?"

I had been dead for four years. Why didn’t he believe it?

Russel’s eyes were cold. "She’s dead but it doesn't concern you."

Russel, as my childhood friend, knew all too well the grudge between Xander and me.

So from the beginning, there was no way he would be nice to him.

"Why doesn’t it concern me? Since you’re not Emma’s father, maybe that heartless woman secretly had our child without telling me. Tell me! Is Emma my daughter?"

I was so shocked I nearly lost my balance.

No! Russel, you absolutely couldn’t tell him!

If he found out that Emma was his daughter and took her away, what if he didn’t treat her well?

Xander was already getting engaged. People said that once a stepmom came into the picture, the father wouldn’t treat his child the same anymore.

Russel held Emma tighter. Her arms wrapped around his neck and they were looking just like a perfect father and daughter.

But to my surprise, Russel did not deny it. "So what if she is? You’re about to get married. Do you think your precious fiancée would accept your ex-wife’s child?"

After a pause, Russel added, "Do you know why I’m telling you that Emma is your daughter? Because I want you to feel guilty for what you did to her mom. Do you know why Amber had to raise her alone?

"Would someone like you even feel guilt?"