Chapter 3

After gathering my thoughts, I took my resignation letter and went straight to the company to resign.

On the way, colleagues pointed and whispered.

"Isn’t that Declan? How can he still show his face here?"

"Yeah, asking CEO Adeline for $10,000 last month and got thrown out by security."

"With his salary, how many years would he need to earn $10,000?"

"Ignore this clown, let's go..."

Hearing these, I laughed at myself.

For years, Adeline never announced our relationship, even arranged for me to be just a regular employee to avoid suspicion.

I've worked hard, even drank myself sick to secure big deals for the company.

All I wanted was to become better, to make her acknowledge me and our daughter.

But my promotion applications were repeatedly rejected by her.

I sought her out for an explanation.

She smiled, clinging to my arm, sweetly said: "Declan, this is all to train you, so you can be a better husband and father!"

"Besides, I earn enough for us. Do you think I can’t support you and our daughter, or are you trying to climb into the company's upper ranks to seize power?"

I was left speechless, thinking she had her reasons.

But on the day Jasper returned, she sent dozens of luxury cars to the airport, the cannon salute was deafening.

That night, Jasper parachuted into the company, appointed as Vice President.

I realized then, love or lack thereof, the difference was obvious.

Given this, there's no need to continue this ridiculous marriage.

I submitted my resignation.

Stepping out of the company, I expected to feel heavy-hearted, but I only felt relief.

For years, like a bird with clipped wings, I've been trapped in a cage, oppressed.

Now, I see freedom ahead.

I visited my daughter's grave, placed her favorite toys by her small tombstone.

Stayed with her until nightfall, then dragged my tired body home.

To my surprise, opening the door, Adeline was unexpectedly home waiting.

"Do you know what time it is? I thought you'd learned to stay out all night."

On the couch, Adeline frowned, arms crossed, displeased.

Her expression was a signal for me to comfort her.

But I found it odd that while Jasper's minor injuries would keep her by his side, she wasn’t with him at the hospital today.

Not my concern, so I didn’t ask. I calmly asked:

"What's up?"

My cold tone made Adeline’s face stiffen.

No matter what happened before, I always greeted her with a smile. But since she returned from her trip, I've been different. No arguments, no fuss, even my gaze lost warmth.

This made her uneasy, quickly saying:

"Are you still mad about me going with Jasper? I told you, it was just to relax."

"Didn’t our daughter always say she wanted to go to the beach? Once I'm less busy, I'll take you and her, okay?"

"Is something the matter?"

Adeline's expression shifted, caught off guard by the icy tone.

In the past, no matter what happened, I always greeted her with a smile. But ever since she returned from her trip, I've changed. I no longer argue or make a fuss, and even my gaze towards her has grown cold.

This unsettled her, prompting her to say hurriedly, "Are you still upset about me going out with Jasper? I told you, it was just a break to clear my mind."

"Our daughter has always wanted to go to the beach, right? Once things settle down, I'll take you both. How about that?"

Her attempt at reconciliation felt more like a condescending gesture. To her, my daughter and I were like pets—amusing when she was in a good mood, and pushed aside when she wasn't.

Suddenly, Adeline seemed to remember something and looked at me curiously.

"Wait, where's our daughter? I haven't seen her since I got back."

"Did you send her to your mom?"

I stared at her in disbelief. She had been back for two days and was only now asking about our daughter?

It was clear she didn't truly care about our daughter or this family.

Before I could respond, Jasper emerged from the bathroom wearing my bathrobe.