The Man in the Past

Yvette used my phone to send the photo over. She was probably too happy to hold back and ended up sending a voice message as well.Her tone was cautious. "Daddy, this is my seat in the classroom. Don't go to the wrong one, okay?"Hearing Yvette's timid, childish voice made my heart ache. I reached out to gently ruffle her hair. In my heart, I prayed that Harold wouldn't let us down again this time.The other kids' parents had already started arriving one after another.Yvette gripped the corner of my shirt tightly, her eyes fixing longingly on the stairs. Yet, Harold was nowhere to be seen.When her homeroom teacher, Laura Anderson, came over for the third time to ask, "Yvette's dad still isn't here?" Yvette could no longer hold back her tears.Gripping my shirt, she looked up with a pale face and asked, "Mommy, is it because Daddy doesn't like me that he doesn't want to come to my parent-teacher meeting?"I held her tightly in my arms. "No, this has nothing to do with you. It's

Yvette flinched at Harold's harsh tone, her eyes instantly welling up with tears.I clenched my fists tightly. "I bought those things for Yvette. If you have a problem, come at me!"Jacob stirred at the sound, his grogginess still evident. He lifted his head and wrapped his arms around Harold's neck. "Daddy, are we there yet?"Harold glanced at me, panic flashing in his eyes.I sneered. "Oh, I see. So you won't let your own daughter call you 'Daddy' because you've already gone and picked up a new son outside?"Harold pressed his lips together and said nothing.At that moment, Susan interrupted, her tone full of grievance. "Harold was just being kind, helping us out. Please don't be angry, Catherine. If anyone's to blame, it's me. Jacob and I ruined your family's peace. We'll leave."Then, she turned to Jacob. "Get down from Harold and leave with me."But Jacob burst into tears. "No! I don't want to go! I like Mr. Jefferson! I want to stay with him!"Susan wiped at her tears. "

I quickly looked down at Yvette. Her eyes were red, but she held my hand tightly.When Harold heard what she said, his expression froze for a moment. He looked slightly dazed as he asked, "Yvette… what did you just call me?"Yvette bit her lip and repeated, "Mr. Jefferson."A look of disbelief spread across Harold's face. He blurted, "How could you call me Mr. Jefferson? I'm your—""Harold," Susan cut in just in time, stopping him before he could finish.He froze, then glanced back at Susan and Jacob behind him. In the end, he swallowed the rest of his words and turned his head away, avoiding our eyes."Yvette, have fun on your trip with your mom. When you're done, I'll come pick you up and bring you home."I stared coldly at Harold without replying. He still didn't realize he wouldn't see us again.Yvette's eyes were filled with disappointment. She squeezed my hand and whispered, "Mommy, let's go.""Okay." I turned with Yvette and walked toward the boarding gate.Once we wer

Harold fell silent for a long moment before replying in a hoarse voice, "Alright, I'll head back on my own. Is there anything you or Yvette want to eat? I'll cook something for you both when I get home."Just then, my assistant knocked gently on the door and whispered, "The client's here."I waved a hand to acknowledge her, then spoke into the phone indifferently. "Whatever. I'm busy. Gotta go."I didn't bother wondering what Harold was feeling. It was finally his turn to experience everything I'd once endured.The next day, I went out for a business dinner with the client's lead representative. The conversation flowed smoothly. When I saw them put pen to paper on the contract, a rare sense of satisfaction washed over me. The commission from this deal would allow me to buy a cozy place for Yvette and me, and the balance would probably be enough for a car.Yvette was still waiting at home. On the way back, I picked up a few of her favorite dishes and a red velvet cake.Just as I

Two days later, Harold showed up on time outside the courthouse.In a brief period, he appeared significantly slimmer, yet his overall demeanor seemed more composed compared to our last encounter.I had no idea how he'd dealt with Susan and Jacob after returning, and frankly, I didn't care. "Let's get in." I glanced at my watch and turned to walk through the courthouse. Harold followed in silence. It was only when we reached the point of signing that he finally said, "I don't want any of the assets. I'll leave it all to you and Yvette. Consider it my way of making amends."His voice was thick with regret. "I'm sorry. I owe you and Yvette far too much."I gave no response. Without hesitation, I picked up the pen and signed decisively.Harold sat in silence for a moment before finally signing the paper. Once done, it was as if all the strength drained from him. His face turned pale, and he slumped into the chair.After filing the divorce, I strode out of the courthouse without