Chapter 2

Hugh's POV

I was diagnosed with severe depression. The only way I could get any sleep was by swallowing handfuls of pills.

Over the past five years, my dosage kept increasing. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Elsa's face. I had no idea where she was or how to find her.

Losing her hadn't just broken me. It had devastated my mom too.

She blamed herself constantly, believing it was her fault for letting the child out of her sight. Even when she was seriously ill, all she wanted was to see Elsa one more time. But she never got that chance.

Felicia had kept the truth from us for five years. It was unbelievably cruel.

It felt as though someone had reached into my chest and crushed my heart. The pain was so intense I could barely breathe.

Not long after, Felicia brought Elsa back.

It was the first time I'd seen my daughter in five years. She still looked like the daughter I remembered, just older.

But something had changed in her eyes. When she looked at me, there was nothing but indifference.

I stood there in a daze, not knowing what to do.

I tried showing her old pictures, hoping they'd bring back some memories. I wanted her to remember how happy we'd once been and how much I loved her.

But she remained distant. It seemed she'd only come back out of obligation.

Every day, she called Gordon to say good morning and every night to say good night. Sometimes, she'd tell Gordon, "Dad, I want to go home."

I couldn't understand how Elsa could feel nothing for me.

What hurt most was realizing how cold she could be when my life was on the line.

Years of taking antidepressants had left me with severe stomach problems. One day, my stomach suddenly started cramping badly while I was holding the breakfast I'd made for Elsa.

A sharp pain tore through me, and I barely had time to react before I collapsed to the floor. The bowl of hot grits fell beside me, scalding my hand red.

Elsa just stood there holding her phone, seemingly unsure of what to do.

I struggled to call for help, my voice barely a whisper. "Elsa…"

The pain became unbearable, and I suddenly vomited blood. But instead of calling an ambulance or helping me, she ran away.

Her reaction hurt me more than the physical pain. I stopped trying to call for help and lost consciousness.

When I woke up, I was already in the hospital. I could hear shouting outside.

Felicia was scolding Elsa. "That's your dad. How could you not even call an ambulance? We've taught you what to do in an emergency. You even helped a classmate call an ambulance last time!"

Elsa stood there with swollen, red eyes.

Gordon stepped in to defend her. "Stop yelling at her. She just panicked. Kids get scared and don't always know what to do."

But Felicia was furious. "No. Elsa, I want to know why you did it."

Elsa sobbed. "I don't want to go back to him! If he dies, no one can make me go back anymore! I don't want to leave Dad!"

Her words left everyone speechless. Even Felicia had nothing to say.

The pain grew so intense it numbed me. I forced a bitter smile.

Felicia came back half an hour later, looking helpless. "I already told you. Elsa chose to go on her own. We've always stayed in touch, and she's always loved Gordon. You need to let her go."

She paused before adding, "We can have another child. You and the new child will still be family to Elsa, and she'll treat you well too."

She kept talking, but I cut her off, "I agree. I'll let her go."