0006.

Amanda's determined words still lingered in the air when she noticed a fixed pair of eyes on her.

She turned to see her daughter standing by the door, her head leaning against the frame and her hands by her side, gently fidgeting with the hem of her pink floral dress. It was a habit she practiced when nervous.

"Kendall," Amanda whispered, her voice barely audible as she walked towards her.

She hoped that her daughter hadn't heard anything she said.

"Mommy, have you and Daddy worked things out?" She asked, her voice laced with hope and uncertainty.

Amanda's eyes welled up with tears, but she turned to compose herself before proceeding to comfort her daughter.

"It's a bit complicated, Sweetie. But we will figure it out and everyone will be happy," Amanda fibbed, reaching her daughter.

"When can I see Daddy again?" She asked, longing for her father.

Amanda knelt to her level, plastering a fake smile on her lips.

"Soon, baby," She replied.

'Never!,' Amanda thought, her mind contradicting her words. 'I will never let you see him again. He doesn't deserve to have an innocent soul like you as a daughter. You're too precious for a pig like him,'

"Mommy, you're crying again. Please don't cry," Kendall pleaded, her little voice trembling.

Amanda hadn't realized she was crying.

"No, I'm not crying," Amanda said, another lie slipping out. "Something just got into my eye," She muttered, pretending to rub it out.

"Do you want me to read a story to you?" Amanda asked with an enthusiastic tone. She wanted her daughter to forget about the issue.

"Yes," Kendall smiled brightly, her former sadness and worry disappearing.

"What story do you want?" Amanda asked, her eyes filling with care and affection.

"I want 'The old witch and the girl'" Kendall giggled excitedly.

The Old Witch and the Girl was her favorite book and Amanda had read it to her numerous times. The title might seem scary, but to Kendall, it was the loveliest.

"That's a great choice, baby," Amanda smiled, tickling her daughter's side, resulting in a resounding laugh.

"Let's go to your room!" Amanda grabbed Kendall's hand and pulled her towards the room.

*

The next morning, James went to his company with an unpleasant look on his face.

He was so angry and offended by Amanda's attitude yesterday and he couldn't stop thinking of it last night or prevent it from influencing his actions at work.

"Good morning sir," An employee, who saw him approaching greeted.

James' lips twitched to give a reply, but the thought of Amanda made him seal his lips and simply respond with a nod.

Other employees greeted him and some were privileged to get a nod, while others were simply ignored.

"Good morning sir," James' secretary stood and greeted at the sight of him.

"Morning," He managed to reply.

"Sir, your friend is in the office waiting for you," She muttered before he pushed the door open.

"How many times have I warned you against opening my office to strangers?" James yelled without thinking.

His secretary was astounded by his reaction, her hands were on her chest and her eyes were dilated. She had never seen her boss so upset before, it was so unusual.

"Sir...you never complained before. Moreover, he's your best friend," She spoke up.

Miss Tiny, his secretary, had been working with him for a long time and she had gained some rights to counter him when mistreated.

James suddenly realized that he was transferring his aggression to her and he apologized for his actions.

"I'm sorry," He apologized. "I'm just upset over something..."

"It's okay sir," Miss Tiny accepted his apology while noticing his uneven and hefty breathing including his hot temperament.

"How long has he been in there?" James inquired, adjusting his tie as if it gave him some discomfort.

"Just a while," She replied softly.

"Okay, thank you," He tried to smile, but failed.

He entered his office and met Jerry seated close to his desk.

"So, I am now a stranger to you," Jerry turned the swivel chair and gave James a striking glare.

"I'm sorry," James apologized, moving to his CEO seat.

The word CEO was boldly written on the seat like the position it held wasn't enough to assert its purpose. The office of James also had domineering features to it, and was extremely different from other offices in the company.

From its unique structure to one-of-a-kind and expensive furniture and luxurious design, the office had this aura that wasn't cold but dominating. Just like James when he wants to display that side of him.

"I thought that you were going to stay there with your daughter, I was shocked when I saw your text of returning this morning. Can you tell me what exactly happened?" Jerry asked, his curiosity peaked.

James' expression hardened, unwilling to show the deep hurt that almost ripped his entire heart apart until there was nothing left.

"What happened?" Jerry insisted, noticing his cold expression.

"Amanda left me for another man and she wants to keep my daughter away from me," James spat angrily. "I wanted to trust her so bad. When mom mentioned her infidelity, I thought that she was too decent to commit such a disgusting act!"

Jerry was shocked by his words, he never thought that someone as good as Amanda would do something so awful.

"That can't be true, there must be some misunderstanding—"

"There is no misunderstanding!" James cut him off angrily. "I saw the man in her house, playing with my daughter. She didn't just cheat on me, but also felt unremorseful about everything!"

James angrily dropped his briefcase on his table and brought out documents from his lower drawer.

"What are you doing?" Jerry asked in confusion.

"I'm signing the divorce papers," James retorted, grabbing a pen from the table. "I don't want to have anything to do with her again and I'm gonna make sure that my daughter stays with me,"

"James, you're making a mistake," Jerry gasped as he watched James vigorously signing the papers.

"I am not making any mistake. I will divorce her and take my daughter away from a bad influence like her!" James spat, almost tearing the papers while signing.

"If you take Kendall away from Amanda, she will be empty. Don't do that to her. I know you love her!"

"To hell with love!" James growled, throwing down the divorce papers and pen on the floor.

"If Amanda wants war, she will get one, and I'm gonna make sure that she suffers for being such a cheat while I was fighting for my life in a coma!" James growled again, his voice thick with a sudden rush of disdain.