Chapter 3

I broke out in a cold sweat, rushing to the call button and pressing it desperately.

George heard but ignored it, laughing and cutting cake with Lily and Lucas.

"Help! Somebody, save my daughter!" I cried out, pounding the door.

After what felt like forever, hurried footsteps came.

A maid, flustered, unlocked the door. Her face was uneasy as she pleaded, "Ma'am, Mr. Quinn said today's party can't have any hiccups. Please, don't make a scene, or we'll get in trouble too."

Hearing the commotion, George stormed to the door. "Can't you chill for one second? You're always stirring up trouble. I was only going to lock you up for two weeks, but clearly, that was too soft."

He chewed me out, ready to scold Emma too.

But then he saw her, blood dripping from her mouth, convulsing in the blankets. His pupils shrank, and his face twisted in shock.

...

After hours of emergency care, Emma narrowly escaped danger.

Maybe out of guilt or fear of a real tragedy, George showed up at the hospital with a fancy doll and a cake.

Looking at Emma, unconscious in bed, he frowned and paused for a long time.

"I didn't mean for this," he mumbled, too proud to give even a proper apology.

As he stepped toward Emma, I blocked his path and slapped him across the face.

"Get out!" I screamed until my voice gave out.

George glared at me. "You got your hit in. Happy now? I said I didn't mean to hurt Emma. Who knew she was so fragile? I've got the best doctors on her case. Don't push it."

He threw the doll and cake on the floor and stormed out.

Emma woke up just then, but George wouldn't stay for another second.

A tear rolled down her cheek. "I don't want Dad on my birthday anymore. Maybe he never loved me. Mom, take me away."

Tears streamed down my face as I kissed her cheek.

I choked back my sobs and nodded, pulling out my phone to dial an unfamiliar number.

"Gordon, I'm sorry. I got caught up in some stuff and missed our meeting," I said. "But don't worry. I've finalized the divorce with George."

The man on the other end sounded thrilled but worried, catching the strain in my voice.

"I'm the one who should apologize," Gordon Mill said. "A twist of fate kept us apart for ten years. I wanted to find you, but knowing you were married, I didn't dare intrude. From now on, no one will keep us apart. I'll spend the rest of my life making up for those ten years."

After setting a date to meet Gordon, I wiped my tears and slipped off my wedding ring.

Stepping out of the room, I ran into George, who had been lurking outside.

"Who were you talking to about meeting in a week?" he asked.

Realizing he overheard my call with Gordon, I dodged trouble with a quick lie. "Emma has always wanted to see the Northern Lights. I'm taking her once she's stronger."

George didn't suspect anything and pulled a bank card from his pocket.

"You've had a rough time. Take a trip to clear your head," he said. "Call me if you need anything. There's a million dollars on this card. Consider it my way of making it up to you."

"Alright." I took the card, watching him leave.

I booked international flights right away.

He had his unresolved childhood sweetheart, and I had my long-lost love waiting to reconnect. Our paths were destined to diverge.