Chapter 83

Chapter 83 +25 BONUS “Daddy! Daddy!”

Kris was jolted awake by a small, soft body crashing hard onto his chest. Groaning, he opened his eyes, only to be assaulted by the bright lights in the room.

“Daddy! Daddy!” Tiny hands began hitting him repeatedly on the cheek.

“Ow, ow, Tessa,” Kris groaned as he finally managed to open his eyes and saw his daughter lying on his chest.

Placing his hand on her back, he tried to sit up, but a violent ache streaked through his head, making him groan again.

“Are you sick, Daddy?” Tessa asked, her forehead creased in a frown.

“No. Daddy is fine, baby,” Kris said, despite the headache that made him feel like his head was going to split in two.

Remembering the events at the club last night and how he had ended up drinking himself into a stupor, he nearly cursed until he remembered his daughter was close by.

“Tessa, there you are, you stubborn girl,” Tessa’s middle–aged nanny breathed in exasperation as she entered the room through the open door. “Didn’t I tell you not to bother your dad?”

Instead of feeling chastised, Tessa broke into a fit of giggles at her own naughtiness, prompting a smile from Kris, Even the nanny couldn’t keep her glare.

“Boatemaa, it’s fine,” Kris said to the nanny as he finally managed to sit up, though his own breath hit hard–and God, did it stink.

He quickly looked away so he wouldn’t traumatize his daughter with his horrible, alcohol–induced breath. He realized he had also passed out fully clothed. Fuck, he was truly a mess.

“Daddy, where is Mommy?” Tessa’s soft voice cut through his thoughts, causing him to stiffen.

Such an innocent question, but it made Kris’s gut twist hard with guilt. How was he supposed to explain to his daughter that he had her mother thrown in jail? Would she even understand? How would she view him?

His eyes met the nanny’s, and from the pity in her gaze, Kris was sure everyone in the house had already heard about Karen’s arrest.

He looked back at his daughter, who was still looking at him expectantly.

“Uh, sweetie, your... Mommy has gone on a small trip.” That was the only thing he could come up with.

“Trip? So when will she come back?” Tessa asked again, just as innocently.

Before Kris could be forced to make up another lie, the nanny came in and gently lifted Tessa from his chest.

“It’s time for your breakfast, honey. Let’s leave your dad to freshen up.”

Ignoring Tessa’s weak protests, Boatemaa carried her out of the bedroom. Once his daughter was gone, Kris slowly sat up, groaning as he did.

His head already ached from his hangover, but not knowing how to handle this situation with his daughter made it seem a thousand times worse.

Gritting his teeth in frustration, he got up, took an Advil, and made his way into the bathroom. A few minutes later, after freshening up, he changed into his usual suit and pants, a gray one this time.

1/3 +25 BONUS Chapter 83 He still felt like shit even after taking the painkiller, but he couldn’t stay in bed forever. He had things to do.

Stepping out of the bedroom, he made his way downstairs. He responded to the maids‘ greetings but didn’t attempt to entertain a conversation with anyone as he headed towards the door- until his mother’s voice stopped him.

“Son.”

Kris paused before slowly turning to face her. He wasn’t in the mood to speak to anyone.

“Mother.”

“You skipped breakfast, and I didn’t want anyone to wake you up because of how out of it you were last night. Do you want me to have the maids prepare something for you?

Kris shook his head. “No, Mum. I’m fine. Thanks.”

He turned and was about to leave when his mother spoke again. “May I know where you’re going?”

Kris let out a breath. “I’m going to the police station to see if Thalassa has already filed the charges. And I also need to speak to Karen.”

Unexpectedly, his mother asked, “Can I come with you?”

Kris stiffened, tipping his head slightly. “You want to come with me? Why?”

Linda swallowed. “Uh, it’s just... I want to talk to Karen and assure her that Tessa is going to be really well taken care of.”

When Kris remained silent for a few seconds more, she added, “I know what she did to Thalassa was horrible, but she’s still a mother. And you don’t know the anguish mothers feel when they’re separated from their children. I’m sure she must be feeling that way, so I just want to give her some reassurance.”

“Even after she tried to implicate you?” Kris asked with a frown.

Linda shrugged. “I know. That hurt me, but I’m sure she said those accusations against me out of desperation. But no matter what, my granddaughter comes first, don’t you agree?”

Kris nodded slowly. “Yes.”

“So shall we go?”

About five minutes later, they arrived at the station. Kris parked the car, and they got out together. Entering, he was just about to approach the front desk when a faint, yet familiar fragrance wafted over him.

When he turned, his suspicions were confirmed. Thalassa was just emerging from the hallways where the holding cells were.

She joined Luisa, who was sitting on a bench waiting for her, and they were just about to head out when she saw him.

Their eyes met. After a few seconds, Kris gathered the nerve to take a few steps toward her.

“Thalassa... you’re... Did you come here to file the charges?

He was sure that was exactly what she’d come to do, and yet he was asking because he hoped she would at least speak to him–

even if it was just a word.

However, the only response he received was a curt nod before her darkened eyes looked behind him at his mother. Then she turned and walked off, with Luisa following behind her.

Kris was left with his chest heaving painfully. Her silence and indifference were killing him more than anything.

2/3 Chapter 83 +25 BONUS Alden was right. He couldn’t keep on like this. He needed to face her eventually, and that time was now.

“Mum, I’ll be back,” he said to his mother before also making his way toward the exit.

As soon as Kris left, a smirk formed on Linda’s face. This was the perfect opportunity. She quickly turned to the woman at the front desk.

“I’m Linda Miller, and I need to see Karen Blade. She’s my daughter in law.”

Outside, Luisa was annoyed by the presence