Chapter 5

My father looked at me with red-rimmed eyes, his voice choked with emotion as he cautiously reached up to stroke my hair. "Karen, I'm so sorry for what you've endured."

Unable to hold back any longer, I threw myself into his embrace, sobbing uncontrollably. I clutched his arms tightly, wanting to pour out every ounce of anguish I felt.

My father gently patted my back, murmuring, "It's okay now. I'm here. I'll make sure to destroy anyone who has hurt you."

My cries echoed loudly, drawing "Cynthia" and her entourage out of the delivery room.

My father turned his back to them, hiding his face from view.

Seeing me with tears streaming down my face, "Cynthia" scoffed, "Oh, look at that! The mistress has a sugar daddy after all.

"I figured someone like you, a side piece, would be just a scum without parents, raised by no one."

My father's fists clenched in anger, and he almost turned around to confront her, but I gripped his arm tightly.

He frowned at me, and I shook my