The next morning, I woke up to an empty bed beside me.

I went downstairs for breakfast. I forced myself to sit at the long dining table even though the smell of food made me feel sick.

The maids moved quietly and placed the food on the table. I saw them glancing at me. They looked hesitant, and I could even see how the blood seemed to slowly drain from their faces. I met their eyes and looked at them like I was waiting for them to say what they wanted to say.

Our chef arrived. I saw him looking at me apologetically.

When the maids slowly removed the covers from the food, I saw them bow in unison, not as a sign of respect, but more as a way of asking for forgiveness.

My eyes went to the table. I saw a walnut pancake.

I smiled, but it did not even reach my eyes.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Analia. Your husband told us to cook this for you and left to take a shower before we could tell him that you’re allergic to nuts,” the chef said, panicking and apologetic.

Instead of being annoyed, I smiled weakly.

“I wonder if he wants me dead,” I joked. The chef and maids looked at each other, panicking.

I had already told Arzhel thousands of times, but I wondered why he always forgot. This was not the first, second, or third time this had happened. He never bothered to pay attention. It made me smile bitterly.

“But don’t worry, Ms. Analia. We prepared your favorite mushroom soup for you,” the chef said while smiling.

He asked one of the maids to bring it in. As soon as I saw the plate, my lips started to form a smile.

Our chef’s mushroom soup was really one of my favorites. It was his special dish, so it really tasted good. I could not wait to try it.

My smile widened as the maid walked closer to me.

They were near me, and as soon as I smelled it, a weird scent entered my nose, and I immediately got dizzy and felt like I wanted to puke.

I instantly covered my mouth, but when I saw them all glance at me with worried and confused faces, I immediately removed it.

One of the maids was about to serve it to me, so I gathered all my strength to speak without puking.

“It’s okay, just leave it there… please.” As soon as I said that, they bowed and left.

How could I eat now when everything they served seemed to be inedible for me? Arzhel would surely wonder.

As if on cue, Arzhel arrived.

He sat quietly. He didn’t even glance in my direction.

There was something in his aura today. It felt heavy.

I watched him from across the table. His expression was calm, but his jaw was tight. He placed his phone beside his plate and sat down. He was sitting straight, like how he sat every time he was inside his office or bedroom.

His aura made me a little worried. He was probably stressed at work. Today was surely not the right timing to try to tell him I was pregnant.

“Good morning,” I said.

I didn’t get any response from him.

I waited, hoping he would at least nod like he sometimes did, but he didn’t.

I picked up my spoon, stirred my soup once, then put it back down. I couldn’t eat.

“Did you sleep well?” I asked again. I had fallen asleep last night waiting for him. He was still in his office, with my stepsister.

The chair scraped loudly when he stood up. I flinched.

“Lia.” He sounded like running out of patience.

I looked up at him. My heart was already racing.

“We need to talk.” His jawline was visible from too much clenching.

My fingers curled around the edge of the table.

“About what?” I tried to ask softly.

Instead of answering, he picked up his phone. I saw him scrolling and swiping something before he slid it in my direction.

“Look.”

I hesitated before picking it up. Something about his tone made my chest feel tight.

I saw his gallery open. I clicked the first photo.

The first photo showed me standing outside the hospital. I froze for a moment. This was yesterday.

I met his gaze, much colder this time. He signaled me to continue.

I swiped to the next photo. It was me again in the hospital. Adrian was beside me. From that angle, it looked like we were close. Too close. Anyone could mistake it for intimacy.

I swallowed and swiped again.

Another photo. Adrian handing me a bottle of water.

Another one. Him opening the car door for me. We were smiling at each other.

My hands started to shake. Those angles were cruelly perfect, as if someone took them to make us look like a real couple.

“That’s not what you think,” I said quickly. “I can explain.” My voice was almost trembling from begging.

He let out a short laugh.

“Explain? You think this needs explaining?!”

“Arzhel, please, I can ex-”

“How long?” he interrupted. He was gritting his teeth and slowly blinking as if he was trying to hold onto the little bit of patience he really had.

“How long what?” I asked, slightly tilting my head in confusion.

He looked at me. “How long have you been sleeping with him?”

I stood up so fast that my chair almost fell.

“No. I would never.” I repeatedly shook my head. “Arzhel, listen to me, please. He’s just a friend. He has a girlfriend. He just accompanied me. I wasn’t feeling well-”

“Save it,” he cut me off. “I’m not interested in your excuses!”

“I’m not making excuses, Arzhel.” I was almost pleading. I took a step closer. “I’ve been vomiting every morning. I get dizzy easily. I went there to get checked.” My voice became low because I was not yet sure if I was ready to tell him the truth.

“So you went with him instead of telling me?” His stare looked so cold.

I opened my mouth. I wanted to say I planned to tell him . I wanted to say I didn’t want to worry him. I wanted to say I was scared.

Before I could speak, he scoffed.

“Let me guess. You’re pregnant.” His lips curved into a sarcastic smirk.

His words echoed in my head.

My hand went to my stomach before I could stop myself.

Arzhel looked there. His jaw clenched. He met my gaze.

“And you were going to tell me it’s mine.” He laughed in disbelief.

I felt something crack inside my chest.

“I-it is y-yours,” I whispered.

He laughed, louder this time.

“You think I’m stupid?” He sounded so offended.

I felt the tears started to filled my eyes.

“I’m telling the truth. I never cheated on you. The baby-”

“Don’t say that again!” he snapped.

It made me flinch.

I heard footsteps echo from the hallway. I didn’t need to look to know who it was.

Veronica walked in, her heels clicking against the floor. She was wearing dark red lipstick, and like she always did, she walked like the woman who owned this house.

She stopped when she saw us standing.

“Arzhel,” she said gently, as if she were worried. “I didn’t mean to interrupt, but you asked me to bring the documents.”

She placed a folder in front of Arzhel.

My heart sank when I saw it. Divorce papers.

My knees weakened.

“I’ve already signed it,” he said. He didn’t look at me when he spoke. “You can have your lawyer review it if you want.”

I felt dizzy.

“You already prepared this? You didn’t even ask me first. You didn’t even hear me out,” I asked in disbelief. And suddenly, I was the one who felt betrayed.

I stared at him. He glanced at me with his cold expression.

“There’s nothing left to hear.”

I laughed bitterly, and painfully.

“So that’s it? After everything?”

“Everything?” Veronica said softly. “Lia, you should be grateful Arzhel is being this generous. He can kick you out instantly if he wanted to.”

I turned to her, furious.

“Stay out of this!”

Behind Arzhel, she smiled, calm and victorious. “I’m just trying to help,” she said, using her fake victim tone.

I looked back at Arzhel.

“Tell her to leave.”

He didn’t. And his silence told me more than any words could.

My chest felt tight.

“Arzhel, I swear on my life, I never cheated on you. The baby-”

“Stop!” he snapped.

My lips trembled. I clenched my fists. I didn’t do anything wrong. But why was I being accused like this?

I looked at him. I didn’t bother to hide the pain in my eyes.

“If you don’t want to be my husband anymore, fine. Just don’t humiliate me. Don’t make me into something I’m not.”

For a brief moment, something flickered in his eyes. Doubt, maybe? Or maybe I imagined it because I needed to believe there was still something human left between us.

Veronica glanced at her watch. “Arzhel, your board meeting starts in an hour. You can’t be late.”

He exhaled, like he was already tired of this drama.

“Sign the papers, Lia. Don’t make this uglier than it already is.”

Ugly? This was what this marriage was for him.

I picked up the folder with shaking hands.

“You’re really doing this?” I asked, hoping he would at least change his mind.

“Sign it, Lia,” he answered with no emotion.

My vision blurred as I flipped through the pages. Everything was already arranged. He was not planning to leave me any wealth. Everything in these divorce papers looked like a business deal he was trying to end, like I had been nothing more than a failed investment to him.

Suddenly, my stomach twisted violently.

I turned and rushed to the sink. My body shook as I gripped the counter.

“Are you done?” I heard Arzhel say behind me.

I wiped my mouth and turned back to him. I matched his cold expression. Since this was over between us, I wouldn’t hide it anymore.

“You’re right. I’m pregnant. I don’t know how else to say it.”

He didn’t answer. He picked up his coat and walked toward the door.

“Don’t forget to sign the papers,” he said.

The door closed behind him.

Veronica stayed for a moment. She looked at me with her fake sweet smile.

“Take care of yourself, sister. Stress isn’t good for pregnant woman.”

Then she left too.

I was alone.

I sank into the chair, staring at the papers in front of me. My hands rested on my stomach again, shaking.

“I’m sorry. I promise I’ll protect you,” I whispered. “Your father has no idea that he’s making a big mistake.”

I didn’t leave the house yet. I stayed and slept in the guest room last night.

After Arzhel and Veronica walked out, the place felt too quiet. Even the maids avoided the living room. I stayed seated at the dining table for a long time, staring at the divorce papers like they might disappear if I didn’t touch them.

Eventually, my phone buzzed.

Adrian.

I ignored the first call.

Then another.

And another.

Until I finally answered.

“Lia, where are you?” he asked, concerned. “You didn’t answer my messages.”

“I’m home,” my voice low from having little energy.

“What happened?”

I looked at the papers again. “He thinks I cheated.”

“What?” he asked in disbelief.

“He saw photos. Someone followed me to the hospital.”

I wondered who took those. But I was not ignoring the possibility that it was my stepsister.

“Damn it,” Adrian muttered. “I didn’t know something like this would happen.”

I closed my eyes. “He already prepared the divorce papers.”

There was silence on the other end.

“What about the baby?”

I swallowed. “He doesn’t believe it’s his.” My voice almost cracked.

“Lia, you need to calm down,” Adrian said. “Where are you now?”

“At home.”

“I’m coming over.”

“No,” I said immediately while shaking my head even if he couldn’t see me. “Please don’t.”

“Why not?” he asked, confused.

“If he sees you here, it’ll only make things worse.”

The line went quiet for a second.

“Then let me at least send my driver.”

I wanted to decline his offer, but I knew very well that without Arzhel, I was literally nobody. No resources, no money, no connections. Adrian was the only one who can help me now.

“Thank you.” I simply said instead.

After I hung up, I finally stood up.

I walked upstairs slowly, back to our room. I was almost dragging my feet. When I reached our bedroom, my chest tightened.

The bed was neatly made. Arzhel’s side was empty.

I opened the closet. Some of my clothes were no longer there.

I looked at the side of the room. I saw three suitcases, and a pile of my unfolded clothes was there. I released a long sigh. He had planned this.

I went to the bathroom and splashed water on my face. My hands were still shaking. When I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized myself.

I grabbed a suitcase and started properly packing my clothes.

As I folded my clothes, another wave of nausea hit me. I rushed back to the bathroom. I almost didn’t make it in time.

When I finished, I sat on the floor while leaning against the wall, breathing hard. I didn’t notice that some drops of tears started falling.

“I’ll be okay,” I said quietly and started wiping my face. “I have to.”

By evening, the house was empty again. I tried to wait for Arzhel. I didn’t know why I still had a little hope, but in the end, he didn’t come.

The driver took me to Adrian’s house.

When I arrived, he was already waiting by the door.

“Come in,” he said gently.

The moment I stepped inside, my strength gave out. Adrian caught me before I could fall.

“Easy,” he said. “Sit down.”

I sat on the couch while he poured me a glass of water.

“Did you eat?” he asked.

I shook my head.

He frowned. “I’ll ask the helper to make something light.”

While he walked away, I stared at the ceiling. My phone buzzed.

I received a message from Arzhel’s lawyer.

“Please review the documents. We expect your signature within three days.”

Was it really over between us?

I locked my phone and placed it face down.

Minutes later, Adrian came back. He guided me to the dining table.

While I ate, he leaned forward to talk.

“You know Arzhel. He won’t let this go easily.” His expression seemed to be a little worried.

I understood. After all, Arzhel was the most powerful billionaire we knew. No one wanted to mess with him. Not even me.

“I know,” I said.

“What are you planning to do?”

“I’ll sign the papers,” I answered.

Adrian’s eyes widened. “Just like that?”

“I don’t want to fight him,” I said. “Not like this. I’m not a fool.”

He sighed.

“And the baby?”

“I’ll raise the baby myself.”

He didn’t say anything for a moment.

“You don’t have to do this alone,” he said as he reached for my hands.

“I know,” I showed a weak smile. “But I need to.”

That night, I barely slept.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Arzhel’s face and the expression he had while accusing me of betrayal.

The next morning, my phone vibrated nonstop on the bedside table. I thought it was my alarm at first, but when I grabbed it, my screen was already flooded with messages.

“Have you seen this?”

“Is this true?”

“Lia, please tell me this isn’t real.”

My chest started to feel heavy.

There was a link. I clicked it.

It directed me to a business news article. I read the headline.

“THERON GROUP HEIR FILES FOR DIVORCE AMID INFIDELITY ALLEGATIONS”

I sat up so fast.

The article included photos.

Not just the clinic photos. There were photos of me and Adrian at a café a couple of months ago. A photo of him holding an umbrella over me. Another of him touching my arm while we were talking. Those were from the time he had just come back to the country, and as my childhood friend, we decided to meet, since Arzhel was on a business trip and Veronica annoyed me in my own house.

Below it was a short statement from Theron Group’s legal team.

“Mr. Arzhel Theron confirms that the divorce is due to irreconcilable differences caused by betrayal during the marriage.”

My jaw dropped. I felt dizzy.

This wasn’t just between us anymore. I told him not to humiliate me, and there was a clause in the divorce papers that I wasn’t allowed to talk about it, yet he did. I was just nobody. I was his maid’s daughter. My family was poor. Why did he need to go this far?

I scrolled down.

Netizens were already tearing me apart.

“Gold digger”

“Cheater”

“Poor Mr. Theron”

“She got caught and still tried to lie”

My hands shook so badly that I dropped the phone.

The door opened.

“Lia.”

I looked up. Adrian stood there, his face dark.

“You saw it,” he said. His expression turned into full concern.

I slowly nodded. I felt like those comments took all my energy.

“I just got off the phone with my PR team,” he continued. “They’re already asking if I want to issue a denial.”

“No,” I said immediately.

He frowned. “Why not?”

“Because it’ll make it worse,” I said.

Adrian clenched his jaw. “He crossed the line.”

“He did it on purpose,” I said. “Maybe he wants to remind me who I am, a nobody. Maybe it’s his punishment for what he thought I am, a cheater. He’s making sure to remind me that I wouldn’t succeed without him,” I said, almost in a whisper.

I swung my legs off the bed and stood up.

“I need to go out.”

“Where?” Adrian asked.

“Theron Group.”

He stared at me. “Are you serious?”

“I’ll end this. I don’t want this to go bigger.”

Arzhel knew a lot of businessmen, politicians, and news companies. We were no match for him. I had been no match for him ever since. The only way to end this was to give what he wanted. Divorce.

I took the divorce paper inside my bag. I signed it without second thought.

Within an hour, I was already at Theron Group’s headquarters.

The moment I stepped into the lobby, people started whispering.

Some were secretly glancing at me. Some stared openly.

I walked straight to the reception desk, but the security arrived and stopped me.

“Ms. Analia,” one of them said politely but with authority. “You’re not allowed inside.”

“I’m here to see Arzhel Theron. Please, call him,” I pleaded. “Then I’ll leave right away.”

They hesitated, but I still saw someone talk to the receptionist. Five minutes later, the elevator doors opened.

Arzhel stepped out.

The lobby went silent.

“Why are you here?” he asked, with irritation as always.

“You turned my life into headlines.” I said bitterly.

He didn’t react.

“You shouldn’t have cheated.”

His words hit hard, even though I expected them. Of course, he would insist on those accusations.

“I didn’t,” I said in a tone that showed I was almost out of patience. “And you know it.”

He laughed lightly.

“You’re still lying?”

Suddenly, I started to see him differently, like he would never be the man who would choose me or even believe in me. Instead, he was the one who would always humiliate me.

People around us started pulling out their phones.

“You want the truth?” I said, loud enough just for both of us to hear. “Fine. Let’s talk about the hospital.”

His eyes darkened.

“I was sick,” I continued. “I went there because I was vomiting every morning.”

“And you took your lover with you,” he accused.

“I took a friend,” I snapped. “Because my husband was never home.”

His jaw clenched.

“Say it,” I said. “Say what you really think.”

He stepped closer. “I think you’re a cheater!”

“That’s a lie.”

“You got pregnant by him,” he said coldly, “and now you’re trying to pass it off as mine.”

The air between us felt heavy.

My vision blurred. I could tolerate him treating me like an outsider in our marriage, but him treating our child like an outsider too made my heart ache. Our child, my child, didn’t deserve that.

“Say that again,” I whispered.

He didn’t hesitate. “That child is not mine.”

Before I could say something, he took a step closer and said something low enough for only the two of us to hear.

“Every time we had sex, I used a condom, Lia. There’s no way that child would be mine.”

I let out a short laugh.

“So you don’t remember the last time we had sex a couple of weeks ago? You were so drunk, you couldn’t even open your condom?” His eyebrows started to frown. “You decided to just throw it away and go on without any protection?” I made him hear how pissed I was right now.

He paused. His eyebrows started to furrow while remembering that night. But his expression showed that he didn’t remember anything.

“You’re lying again! But if you really insist that it’s mine, I want proof. And if that’s really mine, I’ll take the child away from you. Only the child, because I don’t need a cheater wife.” He said with a gritted teeth.

Something inside me snapped. What he knew about raising a child, he might end up treating it the way he treated me.

“No need for that. Like you said, this child is not yours. I’ll make sure you never see the baby,” my voice almost cracked.

What I said caught his attention.

“What did you say?”

I straightened my back. “I already signed the divorce paper. I’ll disappear. You won’t hear from me again.”

“And the child?”

“You don’t want the child anyway,” I said bitterly. “So let’s keep it that way.”

For the first time, he looked unsure.

“Lia,” he said slowly, like he was thinking about what to say next.

But before he could finish his sentence, I took the divorce papers from inside my bag and handed them to him.

“Congrats, you finally got rid of me.”

I turned around without waiting for his reaction.

I placed my hand on my stomach.

Once your father found out he made a big mistake, it would be my turn to make him feel how unwanted he was in our life.

Five Years Later

“Look at you. We just came home from New York, and yet you’re already drowning in your work,” Adrian teased me.

He came closer to my desk. I stood up to give him a hug.

“You know I really miss Los Angeles, but work can’t wait. There’s a problem with one of the lands I want to buy to build my new clothing store branch.” I went back to my chair and massaged my temple.

Meanwhile, Adrian sat on the edge of my table.

“Let me guess… someone outbid you?”

I nodded while still massaging my temple. “And of course… it’s Arzhel.”

He raised his eyebrows. A teasing smile spread across his face. “Does he even know you’re home?”

I sighed.

We had literally landed thirty minutes ago from New York, and the first message I received from my secretary was that the owner of the land I wanted to buy canceled our deal because someone offered a higher price. And of all people, why did it have to be Arzhel?

“I don’t care about him. All I want is my land,” I said irritably.

“Then talk to him. Tell him to give you the land,” he suggested.

I rolled my eyes. “Why would I do that? I already paid the owner. It’s mine. He can’t just take it back!”

“And if he refuses?” he asked curiously. “Are you ready to deal with Arzhel?” His voice was more serious and concerned now.

I froze for a moment. Years of memories with Arzhel flashed through my mind. Almost all of them were bad. When we finally divorced, the first two years were like hell for me. I had to work while raising my daughter. And I took care of Adrian’s son too.

Adrian’s girlfriend had died after giving birth, and as payment to Adrian for letting us stay in his home, I offered to help him raise his child, Chris, who turned out to be a sweet little boy. Adrian helped me financially to start my dream company. I owed him a lot.

“Of course I will be fine. He’s no longer part of my life. And I already moved on a long time ago,” I told Adrian.

He just closed his mouth while nodding, as if he was not convinced by my answer, and funny enough, I felt the same way. I was not convinced that I had really forgotten the man who captured my heart for more than a decade.

I set aside that thought. Today wasn’t about my feelings. Today was about my business.

Adrian and I still hated Arzhel for what happened five years ago. It had ruined both our reputations. No matter how many times I tried to build my career, every once in a while, the past still haunted me. I lost count of how many investors I lost every time they found out that I was Arzhel’s ex wife, the woman who had been in the headlines. The woman who they thought was a cheater. Coming back here in L.A. to expand my career was like a gamble. But I would not back down easily. I would show him that I was no longer the weak wife he once had.

I grabbed my coat and bag.

“Where are you going?” Adrian asked.

“I’m going to see Mr. Lowell. I want my land back.”

Adrian sighed. “And lunch with the kids?”

I froze. How could I almost forget? The kids came first, always.

***

The restaurants in the area were all full, so I had no choice but to sit in Arzhel’s favorite restaurant. It was the only place that had an available spot for us.

“I like the food here, Mommy,” Arriana, my daughter, said. Her eyes were shining.

She was like her dad when it came to food. They had the same taste buds that I could never relate to.

“You want more Caesar salad, baby?” I asked her.

She shook her head. She looked so full, just like Chris, who was smiling with his cheeks stuffed.

I paid the bill. I really needed to get out of here because I hated how much this place reminded me of Arzhel.

We went to the parking lot.

Before getting in my car, I saw a familiar figure of a woman. She was facing away from me, so I could not see her face yet. She looked like she was talking to someone on the phone. After a few seconds, she turned around. I froze when I saw that it was my stepsister. She waved her hand to someone and put on a wide smile.

“Arzhel,” she shouted excitedly.

My stomach dropped. I slowly followed her gaze and saw him, Arzhel. He removed his glasses and looked at Veronica with a quick smile. He looked more mature now. I could see some beard and mustache on his face. His muscles had become even more visible, and I could see them under his black shirt.

Arzhel glanced around, his eyes stopping near my car. Before he could see me, I already went inside. He could not see me because of my tinted window, but I could clearly see him. My stepsister was trying to get his attention by acting cute. I rolled my eyes. She never stopped flirting with my ex husband.

Arzhel started to give his attention to her, and I scolded myself when I realized that I had been staring at them for too long.

I looked away and looked at my daughter, who was just beside me.

She was looking outside. I followed her gaze. She was looking at Arzhel and my stepsister. It made my heart ache. She did not know that it was her father outside, flirting with her aunt.

She always asked me, “Mommy, why does Chris not have a mom? And why do I not have a daddy?” I could not even count how many times she had asked that question, and every time she did, I never had an answer, just a million excuses to change the topic.

I fixed Arriana’s hair and kissed it. I did the same to Chris, who was just sitting beside her.

“Let’s go,” I told the driver.

My phone buzzed.

Mr. Lowell. I suddenly remembered about my land.

I sighed. I needed a calm mind before I talked to him. Or else, I would burst.

“Ms. Analia,” he sounded as if he didn’t do something wrong.

I didn’t greet him.

“Your secretary must already have told you about the land?” he continued, but this time, he sounded a little shy and apologetic.

It didn’t erase the fact that I was mad at what he had done. Before I could stop myself, my CEO mode kicked in.

“Yes, Mr. Lowell, and I don’t think it’s such a professional move,” I said irritably.

I heard his long sigh.

“I’m really sorry, Ms. Analia. Mr. Theron wants the land-”

“But I already paid you, and we already sealed the deal,” I cut him off.

“Yes, yes, you’re right, Ms. Analia,” he sounded sincerely apologetic.

I sighed. He was making it hard for me to get mad, but what he did was wrong.

“You must have heard about Mr. Theron. He’s a powerful billionaire. A big portion of that land was actually a gift from his father, and now he wants it for his business. It’s hard to refuse him.” Of course I knew Arzhel very well. “He threatened me. Either I accept his offer to buy it, or he will take the land without giving me any cents.”

I clenched my jaw. So this was really Arzhel’s fault.

“I’m really sorry, Ms. Analia,” his voice almost cracked.

I massaged my temple. I released a long sigh. It seemed like I needed to handle Arzhel myself.

“I’ll go to your company so we can process the termination of the contract.”

After that, I ended the call.

I closed my eyes and breathed. I really wanted this land. Its location was ideal for my new store branch. It was a busy location, with a lot of people going there, a perfect location to build a clothing brand.

As soon as I arrived at Mr. Lowell’s company, I went straight to the receptionist. His secretary was already waiting for me. She was able to recognize me right away.

“This way, Ms. Analia.”

I followed her. We went in the direction of the staircase. There was an elevator beside it. We got in. She pressed the fifth floor.

“He just went to an emergency meeting, but it will be done within ten minutes.”

The secretary said and left us on the sofa outside Mr. Lowell’s office.

I saw Chris yawning. He sat back and closed his eyes, while Arriana was busy playing with her doll.

I took my phone and read some emails. Better to be productive while waiting.

I didn’t know how many minutes passed, but when I looked beside me, Chris was already asleep, and Arriana was nowhere to be found. I looked around. I couldn’t see her.

I stood up and left Chris for a while to look for Arriana.

I walked near the staircase, hoping but worrying that she might really be there and end up hurting herself.

The staircase was empty, but then I heard something break from the sixth floor. It sounded near the staircase. Seconds later, I heard someone crying.

It sounded like Arriana. I rushed up.

Arriana was standing, crying, and seemed frozen. I could only see her back. I noticed the scattered glass vase on the floor. I rushed toward her. I faced her.

“Are you okay, baby?” I said, panicking as I scanned her body for any bruises.

She instantly hugged me. When someone moved and stood up behind her, that was when I realized that she was not alone. I noticed the collected big pieces of glass. Maybe that person set them aside so they wouldn’t hurt my daughter.

I stood up to meet the eyes of that man.

“Thank-”

I paused when I realized it was Arzhel. He was looking at me like his gaze could kill.

“Seriously?” he asked in disbelief.

I frowned.

He looked at Arriana, then back at me.

“That’s your daughter? And you just let her roam around and almost get hurt?” His voice was raised. “You never changed, always irresponsible.” He said those with sarcasm.

It made me boil inside. He had no right to raise his voice in front of me, not even in front of my daughter. And for God’s sake, five years, and he still never forgot the past.

I was about to snap at him, but Arriana stepped forward and reached for his hand.

“You’re still bleeding, mister,” she said with her cute little voice while sobbing.

That was when I noticed the blood dripping from Arzhel’s finger.

I panicked deep inside, worried that he was in pain, but before I could react, he took a handkerchief from his pocket and wrapped his finger.

I silently scolded myself for almost worrying. Maybe it was just normal to feel that way, since he got hurt from helping my daughter. Right, not a big deal.

Arzhel leveled himself to Arriana’s height.

“See, all good,” he showed his wrapped finger to Arriana and flashed a quick smile.

I froze. I never saw him smile after our marriage, when he became cold and distant. But the image of him smiling when he asked me to marry him was still in my mind. Seeing that smile now reminded me of the unmistakable features of Arriana that she got from her father. The eyes. The nose. The lips. You could clearly see it everytime Arriana smiled.

“You can smile now,” Arzhel continued as he stroked Arriana’s hair.

Arriana slowly smiled, and I saw how Arzhel froze for a moment.

He looked at me with emotions I couldn’t name. Confused? Shocked? In denial?

He let go of Arriana’s hair.

He stood up, now with his poker face. He removed the handkerchief from his finger and put it inside his pocket. Then he fixed his coat.

“I’ll ask someone to clean the broken vase. Don’t touch it.”

I didn’t have the chance to respond because he left right away.

I looked at Arriana. She followed Arzhel with her eyes. She looked so disappointed that he already left.

I sat to level with her eyes, then brushed her hair with my hand.

“Are you okay?” I asked, smiling.

She nodded and flashed a smile, which made her look like the happy mini version of her father again.

Then it hit me. Arzhel probably noticed that Arriana looked unmistakably like him, and it might have confused him.

‘If that’s really mine, I’ll take the child away from you.’ Arzhel’s words from years ago echoed in my mind.

What if Arzhel recognized Arriana as his daughter and took her away from me?