Chapter 4

That afternoon, I packed my belongings—or rather, the things I considered mine.

Tomorrow Christian will come back so I need to leave this place, away from him fast.

A few changes of clothes, toiletries, cosmetics, important documents, and a few personal items. Everything fits into two large suitcases.

I stood in the middle of the bedroom, looking around one last time.

It felt strange. I’d lived in this apartment with Christian for years. We’d chosen the furniture together, decorated the rooms, and filled this place with memories of our life together.

Yet, as I looked around, I realized I wasn’t all that sad to leave.

Maybe I’d already said goodbye to this place long before I decided to move out after finding out what Christian had been doing behind my back.

Taking a deep breath, I grabbed my handbag and dragged my suitcases toward the entrance, where the taxi I’d ordered was already waiting downstairs.

I’d decided to use my savings to rent a small apartment of my own, somewhere closer to the school where I work and, more importantly, the photography class I’d been planning to take but had put off for so long.

Yes, I majored in journalism in college but photography has always been what I love most.

However, photography has always been my greatest passion.

I used to dream of becoming a professional photographer—perhaps working for a magazine or traveling the world to capture beautiful places and unforgettable moments.

Unfortunately, those dreams have gradually faded because Christian’s career has become our priority.

When he has to work overtime, I adjust my schedule. When he has to go on a business trip, I stay home. Whenever an opportunity arises that would require me to leave Christian, I immediately turn it down.

Thinking about it now only makes me feel stupid.

********

Two Days Later…

I was sitting on the floor of my new apartment, surrounded by cardboard boxes, when my phone vibrated.

I’d spent most of that morning unpacking my things, even though the place still looked a bit empty but at least there was some furniture—a small dining table and a comfortable sofa I’d bought secondhand.

Nothing fancy, but it was enough for me.

As I was trying to arrange my books on the shelf when I saw a message from Evelina.

I thought she’d be updating me on Christian—I knew he must have come home and seen that I was no longer living in our apartment, and since no one knew where I’d gone, I figured she’d contact him, the only person who knew my new address.

Evelina: ‘Priscilla, Did you contact Mr. Edward Cross?’

I furrowed my brow in surprise as I read her text.

Why was she asking about Mr. Cross? I thought she’d be telling me about Christian.

I set down the book I was holding and typed a reply.

Priscilla: ‘Why?’

Her reply came almost immediately.

Evelina: ‘Well… Yesterday, strangely his assistant contacted me and sent some documents and information about Anna.’

I blinked in surprise at Evelina’s explanation.

Edward Cross’s assistant? Why would that man contact Evelina about Anna? I hope he didn’t want me to drop the case, he’s wealthy, so I am afraid I can’t go against him if he agrees that his daughter is having a relationship with Christian.

Before I had a chance to ask, another message popped up from Evelina.

Evelina: ‘Well… Apparently, Anna is one of his sugar babies. He mentioned she’s received a considerable amount of money and several expensive gifts from him. Since she’s received such things, betrayal is a major no-no.’

I held my breath for a moment, shocked by the news I’d read from Evelina.

Wait… What?!!!! 

Sugar baby? Anna?!!!

I stared at the screen, not knowing what to say.

Then, Evelina explained further in a follow-up message.

Evelina: ‘So, Mr. Cross wants me to review the evidence you provided and use it in negotiations to terminate his agreement with Anna. Apparently, he’s investigating the financial details of their agreement and wants to reclaim all the gifts and freeze the funds that woman received from Mr. Cross.’

I gasped loudly when everything got into my head fully.

“WHAT?!” My phone nearly slipped out of my hand. “Sugar baby”?

Anna is his ‘sugar baby’?

I read the messages again, hoping I’d misunderstood. But no, I hadn’t misread it.

So, Anna wasn’t his daughter. She was… Oh my God.

I covered my mouth, not knowing what to do.

Then, suddenly, I remembered our conversation at The Whitmore restaurant two days earlier.

“Why?” I remembered Edward asking me that question after watching the videos I’d shown him.

He had set my phone back on the table and was staring at me with those frightening dark eyes of his.

I furrowed my brow. “Why what?”

“Why did you decide to contact me?” he asked calmly.

I hesitated for a moment before answering. “Because Anna is your daughter.”

Then I remember how he raised his eyebrow and just stared at me intently before something resembling a smile appeared on his face.

“She’s not my biological daughter,” he said in a flat tone.

“Oh.” I remember feeling a little embarrassed when I heard that, but I quickly said, “Well, I guess that doesn’t change anything. You’re still her father, aren’t you?”

He leaned back in his chair and kept staring at me as he said, “You could say that.”

Then he gave me a small smile.

Oh my God, that expression… that amusement.

I dropped my phone onto the sofa.

“NO WAY!” I covered my face with both hands and groaned loudly.

Damn it!

I’d just been advising him about his daughter’s behavior—only to find out she wasn’t actually his daughter!

I was sitting across from a billionaire, telling him that his daughter was still young and needed someone to teach her the right values.

I even told him that I hoped he would talk to Anna.

I closed my eyes tightly.

Oh God, I wanted to disappear… Yes, I wanted to bury myself somewhere where no one could find me.

How embarrassing!

And that guy...

That ridiculous guy... he’s not Anna’s father, but...

He’s Anna’s sugar daddy!!!!

God, just kill me already....

—-----------------------