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."