Chapter 8%
“Why the hell did you come back now? What–was the whore you threw everything away for not as great as you thought? Wow. You really are something, Francis.“>
Papers fluttered in the air, then landed in a scattered mess on the floor. Francis stood frozen in the middle of it all, staring down at the damning documents. His hands trembled as if even the weight of a single sheet might crush him.
“It’s not like that… it’s not, Sara. Let me explain–“>
He barely got the words out before Sara shoved her hands into his shoulder. He stumbled back with a grunt of pain, crumpling against the edge of the coffee table.
“Explain? Explain what?” she snapped. “That after you vanished like a coward, Ollie had to shoulder everything? You dared to slander him .when you’re the one who ran off with your tail between your legs!“}
Just then, the front door swung open.§
Elise stepped inside, her schoolbag still slung over one shoulder. The moment she saw the scene–papers, bruises, her father on the floor -she rushed forward in alarm, flinging herself between them.
“Mom! What are you doing? That’s Dad! How can you hurt Dad like this?!“}
Sara didn’t even hesitate. She grabbed Elise by the arm and yanked her upright.
“Take her upstairs,” she ordered sharply, looking over Elise’s shoulder at the stunned nanny who had trailed in behind her.}
The nanny hesitated, but a single glare from Sara got her moving.}
Before Elise could be pulled away, Francis suddenly sprang up, grabbing her and shielding her with both arms.}
“Sara, I’m begging you–don’t do this in front of Elise. I know I made mistakes. I was weak. I was selfish. But I’ve changed–I swear it! Just give me a chance. Look at her–she’s our daughter. We can be a family again! Just the three of us…”
He held Elise tighter, as if clinging to a lifeline. His voice cracked with desperation and his eyes were rimmed red.”
But Sara’s expression didn’t soften.”
“The ‘three of us‘ in the Roger Family doesn’t include you, Francis,” she said icily. “It never will.“}
She took a step closer and looked down at him with nothing but contempt.
“You abandoned your wife. You abandoned your daughter. You left us to fend for ourselves when everything was falling apart. You don’t get to crawl back now and pretend none of that happened.“}
Her tone sharpened.}
“And out of respect for the fact that Elise carries your blood, I won’t destroy you. But this is my house. Not yours. Get the hell out–and don’t ever let me see your face again.“}
The words had barely left her lips when the front door opened again.”
Several men in tailored black suits entered silently, like shadows moving with a shared purpose.
“Mr. Cole,” the man at the front said, nodding politely. “This way.“}
***
While chaos burned back home, I was oblivious to it all.
Three months had passed since I arrived in Verdana. The days were long, but they flew by, packed with work that challenged and revived me in equal measure. I hadn’t had a proper break in years–but here, surrounded by people who respected my mind and skills, I finally felt alive again.
Today was my first day off in weeks. I left the apartment early and wandered through the old town market, choosing fresh vegetables and meats with care, planning a full meal I could savor alone.
By the time I got horne, sunlight streamed in through the window. Jazz played softly from my speaker. The scent of garlic and herbs filled the kitchen. It was a rare, peaceful day.
Until a knock shattered it all.
I wiped my hands and opened the door, only to freeze.”
Sara was doubled over on the porch, breathless from running, her face drawn tight with emotion.§
“Ollie,” she said, “Elise and I have come to take you home.”
I didn’t even bother with words.
I reached for the door, ready to shut it in her face. But before I could, Elise broke free from her and rushed forward, flinging her small arms around my waist.
“Daddy!” she sobbed. “I missed you so much. Why haven’t you come home? Do you not want me anymore?“}}
I stood motionless, her warmth pressing into me like a memory I’d already buried. My hand paused mid–air. Then, with deliberate calm, I pried her hands away and stepped back.
‘I’m not your father,” I said coldly. “Didn’t you all say that yourselves? I was just your uncle. Maybe not even that. I was just the nanny.” Sara’s face stiffened.
I nodded toward the door. “If there’s nothing else, please leave. I have things to do.”
Elise stared up at me as if I’d grown a stranger’s face.
3
10:54 AM
I nodded toward the door. “If there’s nothing else, please leave. I have things to do.”
Elise stared up at me as if I’d grown a stranger’s face.
Ten years. In all that time, I’d never spoken to her like this. Not even once.
Her tears came quickly, streaming down her cheeks as she clutched her chest like she couldn’t breathe.
“You used to say… no matter what I did, you’d always be on my side,” she whispered, voice cracking. “You said you’d never leave me. We even pinky–promised…”
I looked at her, the ache in my chest buried beneath layers of frost.”
“That was back then. And you used to say I was your favorite person in the whole world. But in the end, didn’t you still choose your father?”
I glanced at Sara, then back to Elise.
“Of course, I’m not blaming you. You’re his daughter. Choosing him was the natural thing to do.”
