Chapter 168

Happy Birthday I smirked, knowing dealing with Melanie was a piece of cake. However, I decided to keep a low profile after signing the contract as it would make anyone envious. It wouldn’t be wise to stir the pot at this sensitive time.

As for using Melanie, I would have to wait for the right moment.

Although Tuesday was my birthday, I might have forgotten it if my mother hadn’t prepared a special breakfast. Ava woke up early and sang a birthday song with her childlike voice. Her voice was so heartwarming that I felt an indescribable mix of emotions.

Matthew was supposed to be away on a business trip on this day last year. However, he returned in the evening with a necklace, a complete set of makeup items, and his wishes. We even went to Al Dente, a well–known restaurant, for dinner with the whole family.

Looking back now, I wondered if he had been on a business trip or if he had been spending time with Melanie.

I chuckled bitterly, feeling a lump in my throat. I lowered my head and bit into a waffle, saying, “Mom, I know it’s my birthday today, but you’ve sacrificed so much to raise me. Let’s go out for dinner later.”

My father chuckled and raised his hand in agreement. But my mother hesitated, asking, “Why don’t we cook at home?”

My father laughed and pointed at my mother, saying, “Chlo says it’s your ‘suffering‘ day, and you still want to cook at home? You’re indeed a good wife who likes staying at home. Getting you to relax is impossible.

“Yeah, Mom! Please don’t cook today. You’ve worked hard enough. I’ll reserve a table and invite Ivanna, Ryan, and a new friend to join us. Let’s have a good time and relax.”

Ava clung to my arm and blinked her innocent eyes. She asked earnestly, “Mommy, are we going to a restaurant?”

“Yes, sweetheart, do you want to go?” I looked at my beautiful daughter and was touched. I kissed her chubby cheek and said, “My baby loves going to the restaurant, doesn’t she?”

“Great! Let’s go to the restaurant!” Ava clapped and jumped a couple of times. Then she paused, “But will Daddy.

She stopped herself from saying more, and my heart skipped a beat. I knew she wanted to ask if her dad would be there.

“Daddy won’t be there. From now on, I’ll take you to restaurants. You can order whatever you want to eat.” I hugged her and spoke earnestly. I didn’t want to fabricate lies and deceive her like divorcees who made their children wait indefinitely.

I knew there were times I couldn’t shield Ava from these things, and she had to learn to face them.

“Daddy is bad. He kissed Aunt Melanie and not Mommy. Bad Daddy! I don’t want to eat with him anymore!

She looked at me and said thoughtfully, “I saw it!”

Her words shocked me. I never knew she saw such a thing. Still, I couldn’t tell Ava he wasn’t bad or encourage hatred to grow in her heart. Hatred was dangerous and difficult to remove once it took root in one’s heart.

My parents and I exchanged helpless glances. Then, my father comforted me, “Hey, don’t think about such unpleasant things. Today’s a day to be happy. You’ll meet someone who truly cares and loves you. You have nothing to regret. There’s no need to compromise, either!”

“I don’t want Daddy too! I want a good daddy, not a bad one!“.

“Ava, listen to Mommy. He’s not bad, he’s just-”

“He’s bad! He even hits you and screams at you, Mommy! He made you cry, too! Bad Daddy!” Ava looked at me, her little face contorted with anger. She said with determination, “I don’t want him!”

I held Ava tightly. Daughters typically cared for their mothers more; my daughter was no exception.

My heart still felt heavy when I reached my office the following day. I didn’t want Ava to harbor such hatred at a young age. Still, I could do nothing to defend Matthew.”

At that moment, I started to miss Atlas even more. It had been days since I last saw him, even though I knew he was busy after reclaiming his company. He probably had many things to manage. Moreover, I felt he didn’t come from a simple family.

I held my phone for a long time. Finally, I could no longer hold back from calling Atlas. It took some time before he answered my call, and I heard his low voice, “Yeah?“