Chapter 4

After saying that, Benjamin turned to leave, but Melody grabbed him.

"It's not your—"

Lily ran over and clung to him. "Mr. Carter, don't go! If you're leaving, take me with you."

He crouched down and hugged her. As he did, a sly, triumphant look flashed in his eyes. He leaned in and whispered into Lily's ear, loud enough for only me to hear. "Thanks for playing along, Lily. This way, your mom won't be able to bear losing you. She'll definitely leave that freeloader and come find us."

Every word landed clearly in my ears. I was done watching his act, so I turned and headed straight for the door.

But Benjamin wasn't finished. He lunged forward and grabbed my arm. "Mr. Gage, please don't go! I'll write my resignation letter right now. Please, take good care of Ms. Hutton."

He was still playing the martyr. It made my skin crawl. I shook his hand off immediately.

"Benjamin, stop it. Trying to act like the saintly victim just makes you look like a desperate puppy. Knock it off!"

Hearing me speak to him with such bluntness, Melody began to tremble with rage. "That's enough! Ivan, get out!"

She pulled Benjamin behind her protectively. The woman who had been hesitating just moments ago signed her name without a second thought the instant I said a few harsh words to Benjamin.

She slapped the divorce papers against my chest, her voice dripping with venom. "You're so shameless. I'm just glad Lily won't grow up learning your toxic habits. Good riddance!"

I calmly gathered the papers. "Thanks for setting me free. Aren't you supposed to be heading to an important meeting? Better hurry. If you're late again, I wonder which shareholder will be calling to insult me this time."

Melody stood there, stunned into silence by my indifference.

I went back to the bedroom and grabbed the suitcase I had packed earlier. Seeing the small box on top of it, I picked it up and walked over to Lily.

"Children's Day is next week. I got you your favorite strawberry cake," I said quietly.

"I don't want anything from you!" Lily screamed. She snatched the box and threw it straight into the trash can, then went as far as to spit on it. "Mr. Carter will buy me one. I only want his. Anything you buy is filthy!"

I felt a strange, hollow calmness. "Suit yourself."

I gripped the handle of my suitcase and walked toward the front door. Just as I reached the threshold, Melody spoke again, her voice cold and sharp.

"The moment you walk out that door, you have nothing to do with us ever again. I mean it. I won't let Lily see you again, and she'll never call you 'Dad' as long as she lives! My life is only going to get better without you. Don't even think about crawling back."

Her voice grew louder and more urgent at the end. I knew she was still hoping I'd give in.

I didn't turn around. I simply raised a hand in a dismissive wave. "I hope you stick to that. To be honest, I never wanted Lily anyway. Besides, my departure is exactly what you all wanted, isn't it?"

Without another word, I walked out, leaving behind the house that had brought me nothing but years of silent agony.

Standing on the curb, I pulled out my phone and dialed Celia Gordon, my childhood friend.

"Come pick me up. I'm divorced. Take me to my father's house."

A laugh came through the receiver.

"Forget your father's place. Come to my place instead!"