I Am Not A Poor Daddy

15

Sebastian felt confused and frustrated. He didn’t want to get caught up in this devious adult game. Deep down, he wanted his father to want something more genuine and meaningful for their relationship. “But this isn’t what I expected, Dad. I wanted us to build a stronger relationship based on honesty, not manipulation,” he insisted, feeling the emotions roiling inside him.

 Of course, his father remained firm. “I know this seems difficult, but we have to play this game for our own good. Let them help us with connections and business opportunities. It’s all for your future,” he said again, trying to defend his position.

  Sebastian still couldn’t believe that his father hadn’t changed a bit. Deep inside, he felt a combination of anger and deep disappointment, but he realized that some things couldn’t be changed that easily. 

 In the end, even though he was still angry, Sebastian knew that he didn’t have much of a choice. “Okay, Dad. I’ll try to accept it, even though it’s hard. But remember, I don’t want to get caught up in all of this. I want to build my company the right way,” he said firmly. 

 In Sebastian’s mind, even though he accepted his father’s decision, he was determined to walk his own path—a more sincere and meaningful one. For all that he had achieved and learned in the past month, he felt that his own deeds would be worth more than anything the glamorous and shallow outside world could offer. 

 With that in mind, they left this unpleasant conversation behind, and Sebastian was ready to move forward on his journey. As he resumed his struggles at Blue Net Group, he knew he had to be careful and set boundaries so that he wouldn’t fall into the same old patterns over and over again. 

 Sebastian was now living in a luxury and comfort that he had never experienced before. Much had changed since he took over Blue Net Group, and he felt like he could enjoy the fruits of his labor. With all the wealth he had acquired, he was even able to give money to Dinda, a child who was not his biological child. That action made him feel like he was doing something good, even though his heart was still hurting. 

 “Damn,” he grumbled, complaining about all the pressure he had to face right now. Today was the first court hearing for his divorce with Sara, and a feeling of anxiety was hanging over him. 

 He knew that attending this hearing would not be easy. All the way to the court, he thought about everything that had happened between them. He tried to convince himself that if he showed his good side to Sara, maybe he could win her heart again, for his father and also for the sake of repairing their broken relationship. 

 However, when he entered the courtroom and saw Sara standing there, his feelings changed drastically. He remembered all the betrayal and pain caused by the love that he thought had taken away his future. Sara’s cold treatment and arrogant attitude made Sebastian sick. 

 Sara, dressed in formal attire, glanced at him with an expression that was a blur between indifference and anger. He knew then—after everything that had happened, their relationship would never be the same again. All the good offers and good intentions that Sebastian had in mind seemed to be in vain. 

 “I don’t want to use any underhanded means to win this decision,” he told himself before the trial began. He wanted to be fair and avoid conflict, even though he knew that was impossible with Sara’s now untrustworthy nature. 

 When the trial began, everything that had been pent up in Sebastian’s heart came to the surface again. Sara did not hesitate to pour out all her pain and hatred, as if she considered him a monster responsible for the destruction of their marriage. Every word that came out of her mouth was painful and brought back bitter memories. 

 Anger gnawed at Sebastian’s heart. “What really happened to us?” he thought. He remembered how they had once loved each other and promised to live their lives together, but now it was all destroyed just because of lies and infidelity.

 Sebastian knew that he had to keep his cool and not be provoked. However, inside him, the pain and anger continued to burn. In this trial, he wanted to show the world — even though he was living in luxury now, his heart was filled with sadness and betrayal that continued to haunt him. 

 As the trial continued, he was determined to complete this stage well. Even though his heart was filled with pain, his life had changed. He had to find a way to move on despite having to face the bitter reality of this divorce. And more importantly, he had to find a new direction in his life, free from the shadows of the past and ready to live a better future. 

 “This divorce must go ahead, but you still have to support Dinda until she grows up,” Sara said with a tone full of conviction, as if it was already a final decision. 

 Hearing that statement, Sebastian felt angry instantly. What he felt right now was not only anger, but also deep disappointment. He could not believe that the woman he once loved, whom he once trusted, was now taking advantage of this situation for her own interests after all the betrayals he had gone through. 

  “You’re really too much, Sara,” Sebastian said, holding back his voice so that it didn’t sound like he was slamming it. Every word felt heavy and full of emotion. He felt as if all the effort he had put into being a good father to Dinda had been belittled. 

 Sara just smiled lopsidedly, her expression looking cynical and uncaring. “You know, this is the real world. We both know that Dinda could get involved in this. And you also know that dealing with a child is not cheap. This is your responsibility as the ‘legal father,’” she said, her tone emphasizing each word as if inviting Sebastian to feel the same burden.