Her Daddy Issues

Everyone in the room froze for a moment before erupting in laughter, and even louder jeers."Holy crap, he's got balls!""Is he trying to get Lucius to call him daddy too?"Lucius's expression froze, clearly not expecting someone who always seemed so mild-mannered as me to react in the way I did. Quickly, his expression reverted to his usual roguish grin, his hand casually sliding over Joyce's waist."My dear daughter, this new boyfriend of yours doesn't seem very smart. What's he trying to pull here?"Joyce's brows furrowed, clearly displeased. "Are you an idiot, Henry? Lucius was just joking with you, so why did you have to be so rude with him? Don't you have a sense of humor?"I replied calmly, "Wasn't he the one who told you to call him daddy first? Since he wants to be a father, why can't I want the same? Also…"As I spoke, I raised my hand and smacked Lucius's head, hard. "Hands off your daughter, you old lecher! How could you touch her like that? You're a father, you know

I watched the sports car disappear down the road and let out a soft scoff.Joyce probably had no idea that even her real father had to lower his head with respect when faced with mine.My family had always been low-profile, and I'd spent most of my life studying abroad. I hadn't made a habit of wearing expensive clothing, so clearly she thought I was an easy bone to pick.That idiot probably thought I was some expendable pawn my family had sent to hers in a desperate cling to power.Fine. Since she obviously had some unaddressed daddy issues, I'd discipline her properly!The very next day, I drove straight to her villa. Only the housekeeper was there, saying that Joyce was still in bed.I pushed open the master bedroom door, and was greeted by the thick stench of alcohol. Inside, Joyce lay sprawled over the bedroom, while a man laid beside her.It was Lucius, one of his hands wrapped in bandages.He was wearing nothing but boxers, stretched out casually next to Joyce, scrolling

What stunned Joyce even more was what happened next.The woman who'd been acting untouchable just moments ago dropped to her knees the instant she saw Joyce's father, Terrence Foster."Mr. Foster…? "W-why are you here?" her voice trembled.Terrence didn't spare her so much as a glance. Instead, he walked straight up to me. The stern authority on his face melted instantly into a warm, almost paternal smile. "Are you hurt, Henry? It's best not to come to places like these too often, my boy."I smiled. "I'm fine, sir. Joyce's friends were just a little too enthusiastic. They were just joking around with me, that's all."Terrence turned around, his gaze landing on Lucius, who'd been hiding in the corner. "Joking, huh? What kind? Tell me."Joyce lowered her head, not daring to say a word.Lucius was shaking so badly he could barely stand.I sighed, as if embarrassed, and said lightly, "It's nothing, really. This guy over here keeps on telling Joyce to call him her daddy, and for me

My parents went to the study to make their plans, but I was not bothered to deal with the situation any further.Just as I was about to go back to my room and rest, the phone suddenly vibrated. It was a call from Joyce, inviting me to the boxing club."You've gone for boxing training before, right?" She asked, her tone clearly filled with provocation. "Well, Lucius does kickboxing, so maybe you two can spar!"If you win, everything between us becomes a clean slate, but if you lose, you'll have to kneel and call Lucius daddy right then and there!"I listened to Lucius's laughter in the background, and my lips curled into a smile. Seems like someone hadn't learned her lesson. Was she trying to wipe away her humiliation behind the scenes?Honestly, I wasn't surprised. She was utterly humiliated by me in front of her friends, and even got scolded by her father in public. With that petty princess attitude of hers, it was no wonder she couldn't take it.She probably thought that by inv

When Joyce called, I was having coffee with my father.The moment she said she'd broken her leg and still wanted to see me, I nearly laughed out loud."Sure. If it's about breaking off the engagement, I guess I can see you."I changed my clothes slowly, deliberately choosing to ride a taxi to the agreed-upon spot instead of driving my own car.I even went to the trouble of letting Terrence know the meeting location as well. Wasn't I so thoughtful and considerate?The moment I walked in the door, I saw Joyce slumped in a chair, drenched in sweat. One of her legs was stretched out at an awkward angle, and she was clearly in severe pain.Lucius stood nearby, playing on his phone and seemingly not having any intent of caring for her in the slightest.Seeing me, Joyce immediately became arrogant again."Took you long enough! Take me to the hospital and pay all my medical bills. Also, transfer me some spending money."Meanwhile, Lucius started mocking me. "Wow, talk about shabby. Di