Chapter 3

The door was ajar. I saw Ted’s arm around Clara’s shoulder. He was smiling as he leaned in and kissed Clara.

Clara wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kisses passionately.

I stood outside of the door and tortured myself by watching.

When I no longer had the strength to stand upright, I collapsed onto the floor.

I heard some noises coming from the kitchen, so I turned to look.

I saw Jared, who was only seven years old, standing on a stool and clumsily stirring the pot.

Since I was afraid that he would hurt himself, I walked over.

He was mumbling to himself, “Daddy doesn’t like coriander and onion…”

He took the pot off the stove as if he was an adult. I felt my heart soften at that sight.

However, when he turned around and saw me, his face immediately fell.

“Why are you here? You’re a jerk!”

Upon hearing that, I suddenly came to my senses. He had been referring to Ted earlier when he mentioned the word “Daddy”.

My lips quivered.

“Jared, I’m your father. How can you…”

“You’re not my dad!” Jared refuted loudly.

He pushed me away. Then, he took the soup he had just made to Ted.

I stumbled after Jared pushed me and hit my spine against the corner of the cabinet. It was extremely painful.

I went back to Ted’s bedroom.

Jared was blowing on the hot soup before serving it to Ted.

Ted smiled and praised him. Clara hugged Jared and teased him, “Jared, you care about Daddy more than Julia.”

I stood at the door and watched the scene unfolding before me.

They were so happy, as if they were a true family.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I turned around and left.

The next morning, Clara woke me up.

She had the habit of giving me a morning kiss.

However, I dodged her attempts.

She was stunned. Then, she held my hand and brought me to the dining room.

However, there was no seat for me at the table.

Ted sat in my original seat and smiled at me.

Clara awkwardly nudged me to sit in her place.

“I’m sorry…” The nanny, Amy Reid, spoke carefully.

“I didn’t prepare Mr. Anderson’s meal…”

Upon hearing that, everyone was stunned.

George asked in confusion, “Did Ted not tell you?”

Ted slapped his forehead.

“I slept too late last night, so I didn’t wake up on time this morning. I forgot to tell Amy about it…

“Let Blake have my breakfast then…”

Nancy stopped Ted.

“Sit down.”

George also disagreed.

“You should eat your breakfast. You’re skinny enough.”

It was as if I was a ghost. I watched the happy family before me as I clenched my fists.

George sighed and told Amy to make another breakfast before holding my hand and telling me about the party.

“You finally woke up from your coma, so we plan to throw you a party to celebrate that. I’ll get Clara to take you to get ready in a bit.”

I freed my hand inconspicuously and nodded.

I stared at George and started thinking if I should still remain there.

During the party, George brought Ted around to greet all his family and friends.

I wanted to walk over, yet Nancy stopped me.

Nancy shot a glance at me.

“George is introducing Ted to everyone as his successor, so you shouldn’t go over. We’ll leave our shares to you, and you’ll receive the dividends.”

I was stunned as I asked subconsciously, “Didn’t you tell me that I would be…?”

“That’s all in the past.”

Nancy held my hand as though she was afraid that I would throw a tantrum. “Be good.”

I was brought to the corner in a daze.

My attention was caught by a passing figure. It was Clara.