Chapter 3

Realizing she'd been a bit too harsh with her comment, Ashley hurriedly tried to smooth things over. "Don't be mad, honey. Nate is just worried about the baby. By the way, when is the photographer getting here?"

I looked at Nathan, who was sitting on the couch, playing with Bella. "Why isn't he leaving yet?"

He shot me a glance before provoking me by planting a kiss on Bella to stake his claim.

"Nate is going to take a few photos with Bella too," Ashley said nonchalantly.

I threw the cup in my hand.

Ashley immediately flew into a rage. "What's your problem, Henry? What's wrong with a father taking some photos with his baby? What makes you think you can stop that? Bella's already taking your last name. She'll be calling you dad in the future, so what more do you want?"

The screams frightened Bella, who started crying. Nathan quickly patted her on the back to comfort her. Ashley also hurried over to check on Bella, doing her best to calm her down.

The photographer happened to enter the house at that very moment, and he took a photo of the three of them.

"What a lovely scene. This photo perfectly captures the blissful moment shared between the happy family of three. Mommy and Daddy should get a little cozier with each other and move closer to the baby," he said.

Without the slightest hesitation, Ashley and Nathan followed the photographer's directions, leaning in closer and closer together.

I couldn't hold back anymore, roaring, "That's enough! Ashley, have you no shame?"

That ruined the sweet atmosphere, making Ashley frown. She grabbed me to the corner and hissed, "Henry! We shouldn't be airing the family's scandals in public. Do you want the entire neighborhood to find out that Bella's not actually your daughter? Why can't a grown man like you be more sensible?"

She didn't even bother waiting for a response from me before going back to the couch to take a family portrait with Nathan and Bella.

I stormed out of the house.

Even after the sun had set, not once did Ashley call me.

By the time I got home, the photographer had already left. But when I opened the bedroom door, Nathan was actually lying on my side of the bed.

Seeing that I'd returned, Ashley said softly, "Nate is staying here to accompany the baby. You can sleep in the guest bedroom tonight."

Nathan saw the grim look on my face and said with feigned magnanimity, "That wouldn't be appropriate. I'm the outsider here. Let me take the guest bedroom instead."

Ashley quickly grabbed him. "This should've been your spot, to begin with. He owes it to you."

She eyed me resentfully and declared, "Henry, Nate only broke up with me because he knew you'd been in love with me for years and wanted to give you a chance. He allowed himself to be labeled as a scumbag just for your sake.

"All he wants to do now is spend a few days with his daughter, yet you can't even let him do that. Well, that gives me no reason to show you any consideration either."

Hiding behind Ashley, Nathan shot me a taunting smirk.

I hadn't expected that he could still fool Ashley so easily with some empty words even after so many years. But since that was the case, it was time for me to let go.

"I see. In that case, I'll step aside so that you three can live happily ever after as a family. Meet me at the courthouse tomorrow. We'll file for divorce."

I turned around and left.