LOGINShare
34
Last Updated:
2024-11-08 05:22:02Dinda looked at Mrs. Anita, her expression looking a little sad. “But I love Daddy Sebastian too… I just don’t like it when Daddy Sebastian gets mad. When it comes to Rich Daddy, no one gets mad. Mommy and Rich Daddy are always nice.”
“Okay then, I had cookies for Dinda. See you later,” Anita said as she finished her interview.After the interview was over, Anita sat in the living room with Sara.“Judging from the results of the interview earlier, I think it’s very likely that custody will fall to you,” Anita said quietly, but confidently.Sara looked at her, trying to hold back a relieved smile. “So… everything’s okay, huh?”Anita nodded. “Dinda seems very comfortable with you and Rendy. She also mentioned that Rendy never gets angry, something that seems to make her feel safer in this environment.”Sara smiled faintly. “Dinda is indeed more cheerful when she’s with us.”Anita tidied up her files as she continued, “HowRelated chapters
I am Not a Poor Daddy 35
"I will not give up," he said finally, trying to channel all the conviction he had into his words. "This is about Dinda's future, and I will not stop until I get justice. Whatever it takes, I will do it."His lawyer smiled thinly, though the tiredness was still evident on his face. It was not a smile of victory, but rather a kind of support that he wanted to give to his client in her predicament. "Okay," he said, "we will work hard to turn this around. What we need to do now is show that Dinda needs her father—and that you can provide the love and stability she needs."Sebastian nodded firmly, though his heart was still filled with anxiety. In his chest, feelings of worry and love wrestled in an endless struggle. Still, one thing was for him: he would not back down for the sake of his beloved daughter.---In his office, Sebastian stepped into the room with heavy steps. The air in his office felt more stuffy than usual, and his head was fill
I am Not a Poor Daddy 36
In a large and classy meeting room, Sebastian sat at the head of a long table, surrounded by company executives. One by one, they gave presentations, discussing the quarterly targets that had to be achieved. However, Sebastian's gaze was blank, his eyes not really paying attention to the presentation screen filled with numbers and graphs. His thoughts drifted to Dinda, his little daughter, and Sara who was increasingly trying to win custody. "Mr. Sebastian," called Andi, the marketing manager, in a hesitant voice. "What do you think about this expansion plan?" Sebastian was surprised as if he had just been woken up from his reverie. "Oh, yes... the expansion plan," he mumbled while trying to understand the slide that was being displayed. However, his mind was still in turmoil. One of the other staff, Lila, looked at him worriedly. "Sir, are you feeling unwell? We can continue another day if you need time." Sebastian shook his head slowly, forc
I am Not a Poor Daddy 37
Lila nodded slowly, her eyes soft but filled with emotion. "I really thank you. If it weren't for you, maybe I would have given up and left this company, maybe even my dream of becoming a successful person."Sebastian smiled bitterly, feeling the pain behind Lila's praise. "I'm happy to be able to help, but also sad that something like that happened in this company. At that time, I felt that this company was not worthy of continuing anyone's dreams."Lila looked at him gratefully. "It was your presence that changed all that. Since you took over, I and many other staff feel more appreciated. You are not only a leader, but also someone who listens."Sebastian just chuckled, looking at his almost empty glass. "I'm not a perfect leader, Lila. My family's problems... I've never found a solution until now."Lila put her hands on the table, trying to give him support. "We all have problems. Even the strongest ones. There's nothing wrong with feeling tra
I am Not a Poor Daddy 38
"Sara, please..." Sebastian's voice was barely audible. He knelt down, his head bowed, and both his hands tightly gripped Sara's hands. "I don't care what happens between us... But Dinda, she is my life. Let me remain a part of her life." Sara stared at Sebastian with a look full of disgust, then pulled her hand roughly, freeing herself from Sebastian's grip. "You no longer have any rights over us, Sebastian. And the sooner you accept that fact, the better," she said in a cold and firm tone. Sebastian lowered his head, his tears falling to the ground as if all the hopes he had were shattered into pieces in front of the woman he once loved. He didn't know how he would face life without Dinda, without her warm smile, without her cheerful laughter. The pain was so deep, so devastating. Sara stepped into the house, leaving Sebastian still fallen in front of the gate. The door closed with a loud sound, marking the end of Sebastian's hopes for
I am Not a Poor Daddy 39
The day of the trial finally arrived, and Sebastian sat in the cold visitor's chair, looking at the room with mixed feelings. Although the courtroom was quite large, the day felt cramped and full of pressure. The high ceiling that usually made the room feel spacious actually added to the unbearable sense of intimidation. Sebastian's heart was beating fast, its rhythm seeming to accompany his increasing anxiety. His gaze was straight ahead, but occasionally, he glanced at Sara and Rendy, who had come as Sara's lawyer, his wife, sitting a few rows in front of him. Sebastian tried to calm himself down, but every beat of his heart seemed to remind him how important today was. Dinda, his beloved daughter, was at the center of all this. He remembered the beautiful moments with Dinda, the laughter and happiness they shared, and how hard it was to imagine life without her presence. Sara looked calm, but Sebastian knew very well that behind her calm face, there was the sa
I am Not a Poor Daddy 40
On the other side of the room, Sara sat upright, as if unshaken by the serious atmosphere that dominated the courtroom. Her cold gaze was fixed on the judge, and occasionally she glanced at Rendy as if solidifying their strategy in securing Dinda's custody. Sebastian realized that Sara was very sure of her position. That feeling added a new burden to his chest, which was getting tighter as time went by. When the judge invited Rendy to give his initial statement, the lawyer stood calmly. He stepped into the center of the room with apparent confidence, delivering his opening argument in a loud and firm voice. "Your Honor," he said, "our client, Sara, has provided a stable and loving environment for Dinda. In addition, the emotional closeness between them has been a strong foundation that has encouraged Sara to maintain this custody." Every word that came out of Rendy's mouth was like a knife stabbing Sebastian's heart, making his chest feel tighter. Rendy arranged
I am Not a Poor Daddy 41
Seeing Sebastian looking shaken, Rendy continued his attack confidently. "In addition, Your Honor, we also have a video recording of the Child Protection Commission interview with Dinda. In this recording, Dinda explained very honestly about her feelings towards the parents who raised her."The video interview was played. Dinda's small voice was heard in the quiet courtroom. Dinda was seen sitting on a chair, trying to look at the Child Protection Commission interviewer with her innocent face, looking honest but full of caution. Her voice sounded soft and slightly trembling."I ... I like living with mom. I feel comfortable at Mom's house. I can sleep soundly and I'm not afraid ..." Dinda looked down, then added in a softer voice, "When it's with Daddy Sebastian ... sometimes Daddy Sebastian likes to get angry with mom. I don't like seeing Mom cry because she fights with Daddy Sebastian ..."Those words pierced Sebastian's heart, who felt as if the world w
I am Not a Poor Daddy 42
The judge, who had listened to all the arguments thoughtfully, took a moment before speaking.“I will consider all the evidence presented, both from the plaintiff and the defendant,” he said in a firm, careful tone. “But the child’s interests are the top priority. Therefore, this decision will focus on Dinda’s comfort, safety, and happiness.”The courtroom was silent, everyone holding their breath waiting for the decision to be made. Sebastian sat with a broken heart, but deep in his heart he knew that, whatever the outcome, his love for Dinda would never fade. That day, in the midst of the emotional trial, Sebastian realized that being a father was not just about blood ties but about the unconditional love he had for the daughter, he might not be able to hug every day anymore.Sebastian stared ahead, trying to calm his turbulent thoughts. The judge’s firm, the authoritative voice echoed in the courtroom, but it all felt vague to him. He could only think o
Latest chapter
I am Not a Poor Daddy 53
Sebastian woke up with a heavy body and a throbbing headache as if thousands of needles were stabbing his mind. He tried to move his body, but every small movement caused a sharp pain. In the confusion, pieces of memories began to flash through his mind: Dinda's presence in the back seat, her soft voice as he fell asleep, and then... a very loud crash. With difficulty, he opened his eyes and tried to adjust to his surroundings. The room was dimly visible, surrounded by shadows and dim light. Anxiety gnawed at him, and he tried to remember what happened before he woke up. Memories of Dinda's smile, their laughter on the trip, and the beautiful moments that now felt distant and painful. Sebastian tried to remember those details, but the shadows of fear and pain blocked his thoughts. Is Dinda okay? The question slid into his mind, strengthening his curiosity to immediately get up even though his body seemed to reject it. He bit his lip and tried not to panic, trying
I am Not a Poor Daddy 52
Flashing red and blue lights filled the accident scene, signaling the arrival of the medical team and security officers. The paramedics quickly evacuated Sebastian and Dinda from the wrecked car. At the same time, Sara and Rendy arrived at the scene with panicked and anxious faces after receiving a call from the hospital.When she saw Sebastian’s car, which was almost no longer in shape, Sara was shocked, her body shaking violently. She could barely recognize the shape of the car. Her little heart sank, filled with incredible fear and worry.“Where is Dinda? Where is my daughter?” Sara asked in a desperate tone to one of the officers there.The officer calmed Sara down by saying, “We have sent them to the hospital. Their condition is quite severe, but the doctor has prepared emergency measures.”Sara couldn’t hold back her tears anymore. Rendy, who was standing beside her, tried to calm her down and guide her into their car, heading to the hospit
I am Not a Poor Daddy 51
After the ice cream was finished, Sebastian took Dinda to a small bookstore not far from the park. He knew that Dinda really liked storybooks, and this had been their favorite place for a long time. Every time she went to this store, Dinda always looked so excited to choose books with animal stories or fantasy stories. In the store, Dinda started walking from shelf to shelf, looking for a book that caught her attention. Sebastian followed her, occasionally helping her reach the books neatly arranged on the high shelves. Finally, Dinda found a picture book of a little elephant going on an adventure to find a friend. Her eyes shone as she showed the book to Sebastian. “Daddy, I want this book! Look, there’s a cute little elephant!” she exclaimed, smiling broadly. Sebastian stroked Dinda’s head gently. “Of course, honey. Daddy bought it for you. You’ll definitely like the story about this little elephant,” she replied, then took the book to the cashier.
I am Not a Poor Daddy 50
Sebastian nodded. “Yes, Sara. I will be on time,” he said with a faint smile, calming Dinda who was holding his hand tightly. Today, he was determined to make Dinda happy, no matter how short their time together was.He took Dinda by the hand towards the car, then closed the door slowly. With a hopeful gaze, Sebastian looked at his little daughter sitting beside him, ready to bring simple but meaningful happiness. Today was the day he had been waiting for with all his heart, and he knew how precious every second he had with Dinda was. Sebastian drove his car with a heart full of hope, his eyes occasionally glancing at Dinda who was sitting beside him with an enthusiastic face. In his mind, he had imagined this day over and over again. A full day that he would fill with happiness and beautiful memories with his daughter. "Daddy, where are we going first?" Dinda asked while looking at him with sparkling eyes. Sebastian smiled warmly. "Let's go to
I am Not a Poor Daddy 49
Sebastian took a deep breath, trying to steel himself. Lila’s words gave him a little hope, even though the bitterness had not completely disappeared. “Thank you, Lila. I just… I just need time to accept all of this.”Lila smiled faintly. “I’ll always be here, Sebastian. Whenever you need help or just want to talk, you know I’m ready to listen.”Sebastian smiled back softly. Even though his life felt like a mess, Lila’s presence gave him a little light in the darkness he was facing. And for now, that was more than enough.***Two weeks had passed, but for Sebastian, time felt like it was moving slowly, every second filled with immeasurable longing for his little daughter, Dinda. This was the day he had been waiting for with all the mixed feelings, the first day he could spend time with Dinda after the painful trial results.Sebastian stared at the clock with hope trembling in his heart. Every second that passed seemed to be a reminder of
I am Not a Poor Daddy 48
The next morning, even though his heart and mind were still in chaos, Sebastian still had to attend the proposal submission meeting. He walked into the company meeting room with heavy steps but tried to hide all his pain behind a strong face. The office was the only place he felt he still had control, a space that would not judge or abandon him like what had just happened in court. The meeting room was already filling up when Sebastian arrived. There were several employees sitting there with thick documents in their hands, ready to present new proposals. Not far from them, Lila was busy reviewing several files, focused as usual. Their gazes met, and Lila gave a thin, sincere but understanding smile. Sebastian returned it with a small nod, although his smile was not entirely sincere. Lila knew exactly what was going on in his life, and her presence gave him a little comfort in the midst of the chaos. As Sebastian took a seat at the end of the table, he tried to co
I am Not a Poor Daddy 47
"Yes, custody has officially fallen to Sara," Rendy continued with a thin grin, his expression changing to a satisfied smile. "The hardest part is over. Now all that remains is to make sure she continues to comply with everything that has been agreed upon." Rendy listened for a moment, then added, "Sebastian will not be a problem. He just needs to be left aside, with no chance to interfere again." Rendy's smile grew wider, his face now filled with suspicious confidence. "Just a few more steps and everything will go perfectly. Sara just needs to be kept from ruining this plan.”At the end of the conversation, he nodded slowly and said, “We will meet as usual, next week. Don’t worry, everything is under my control.”Rendy hung up the phone with a mysterious look. The smile on his lips reflected a hidden plan that only he knew, and it seemed that everything that had happened so far was just part of a grand scheme that was slowly star
I am Not a Poor Daddy 46
Sara let out a long sigh, looking at Rendy with eyes full of disappointment that she had long suppressed. “Rendy, I should feel relieved now. I should feel victorious. But, look… Dinda is still looking for Sebastian, even though we’ve done everything to make her feel comfortable here. It feels like… all this effort is in vain.”Rendy nodded, trying to understand Sara’s feelings. He knew this wasn’t just about winning legal custody; it was about winning Dinda’s heart, something much more complicated.“Sara, I can see how much effort you put in. You’ve given your best, more than most single parents out there can do,” Rendy said while touching Sara’s shoulder, giving her a little encouragement. “But we also have to accept that the bond between Dinda and Sebastian has indeed formed so strongly. It’s not easy to erase those feelings.”Sara stared at Dinda who was sleeping on her bed, feeling increasingly cornered by the reality that Rendy had just revealed. “S
I am Not a Poor Daddy 45
Dinda looked at Sara with a clear disappointed expression. “But why can’t Daddy come in? Why can’t you just meet me for a moment, Mom?”Sara sighed, a little confused about how to explain this complicated situation to her young child. “Honey, this is indeed difficult to explain. Daddy and Mommy have an agreement for certain times so that everything goes well for you.”Rendy looked at Sara as if he wanted to add something. He knelt down next to Sara and spoke softly, “Dinda, Mommy, and Daddy Sebastian have agreed to meet at a predetermined time. Daddy Sebastian loves you, and he will come at the predetermined time. You will meet Daddy soon, on Sunday, as scheduled.”However, Dinda did not look satisfied with that answer. Her face looked even sadder, and her tiny lips trembled, trying to hold back tears. “But… I miss Daddy Sebastian. Why do I have to wait until Sunday? I… I want to meet Daddy now.”Sara felt a tremor in her chest. She could not deny
