The Daniels' family house was warm and lively, but David always felt like an outsider. He sat quietly at the end of the long dinner table, he had barely touched his plate. The tension at the table felt so suffocating that he could barely get himself to eat. Mrs. Daniels set her fork down with an audible clink. “Sarah, I really don’t know how you do it. Running a company all by yourself, while your husband...” She glanced at David with barely concealed disgust. “...sits around all day doing God-knows-what.” David didn’t respond immediately. He wasn’t surprised by the comment; it was the same every time he sat at this table, almost like a daily routine. “Mom, I’m managing,” Sarah said, almost like she was whispering to herself. Her eyes shifted toward David, but there was no emotion in them. “Managing?” Mr. Daniels barked a bitter laugh. “You call this management? Your company is barely holding up because you have to handle everything yourself. And why? Because your husband is to

The grand ballroom of the Daniels’ family manor was buzzing with excitement. Crystal chandeliers filled the room in golden light, casting a luxurious glow on the elegantly dressed guests. Tables were decorated with fine linens and floral centerpieces, and a live orchestra played soft classical music in the background. Sarah had spared no expense for the evening. It was a celebration of her company’s success—a moment she was proud to share with the world. The challenges she had faced, and now it was her turn to let the whole world know she was back to the real business.She wore a shimmering emerald gown that hugged her figure perfectly, her hair was styled in the best way it has ever been. She looked every bit the successful businesswoman she had become. David stood near the corner of the room, dressed in a simple black suit that made him almost look like a moderate beggar. He watched Sarah from afar, and one could tell from the smile on his face that he was more than happy for the

The taxi came to a halt at the grand gates of the Blackwood Mansion. David stepped out, pulling his worn-out bag behind him. The sight of the massive mansion before him brought no comfort. Instead, it reminded him of everything he had sacrificed—and everything he was about to reclaim. But today, he wasn’t stepping into this house as the calm, collected man he used to be. Today, he carried anger and betrayal in his heart. As he approached the front doors, Andrew, his butler, hurried out to meet him. His neatly pressed suit and polished shoes spoke of his professionalism, but his face was clouded with worry. “Sir, you’re back so soon,” Andrew said, meeting him at the entrance. “You didn’t notify me you’d be returning today. Is everything all right?” David didn’t reply immediately. He walked past Andrew, entering the hallway. The house was as spotless as always, but he barely noticed it. His mind was consumed by the humiliation he had endured at the Daniels’ house. “Sir?” Andrew

Later that evening, David wandered through the silence of his mansion. The house felt empty, almost lifeless. He stopped in front of a door and pushed it open. Inside was the room he had reserved specifically for his daughter. The room was filled with toys, books and little decorations he believed they'd love.He had designed it against the future, when he would have revealed his true identity and moved over to his home with his family. Sadly, his in-laws fucked up in the way he least expected. David stepped inside, running his fingers over a small desk by the window. He picked up a drawing she had made—a picture of their family, back when things were happy. His heart clenched. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “I should have fought harder for you.” He moved to his son’s room next, where a small collection of model cars sat neatly on a shelf. David picked up one of the cars, remembering how excited his son had been when he bought it for him. “This isn’t over,

David smirked, nodding his head. "Well, the last I checked, your company was ruined by just a mere email. Where's the glory, where is the fame, Sarah? Aren't you bothered that anytime from now, you'll be no different from me?"The smile on Sarah's face vanished in a split second, replaced with anger. "How dare you say that to my face?"David shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, did I hit a spot?" He chuckled. "I didn't know you needed this fame more than anyone else. I also heard how childishly you and your father kept begging to meet with the CEO, something the Daniels are never known for."David seemed to be finding everything funny, and he didn't mind how much it pissed her off. He was going to show her that no one talks to him aggressively and goes free."What? Does that hurt?""How did you know about all these?" She pointed. "Have you been spying on me all these while?""What do you think you are that I'll waste my time on you, Ms. Daniels. I have important stuff to do rather than watchi