Chapter 2

The pouring rain drenched me within minutes. After running several kilometers, I finally found a shared bicycle and raced to my daughter's school. Upon arrival, my daughter saw my soaked state and burst into tears. I hugged her tightly, my heart aching, comforting her with, "Mom was just playing in the water, haha, it's okay, don't cry."

Ms. Colter, witnessing this, simply instructed, "Lia thought her parents didn't want her and cried for a long time; her voice is hoarse. Make her some pear soup when you get home." I thanked her profusely and sent a gift. The rain had stopped by then, and I took a taxi home.

Just as I opened the door, Joaquín rushed out of the bedroom, anxious. "Why are you so late? What were you doing outside with our daughter?" he demanded. Soaked to the bone, rainwater dripping from my clothes onto the floor, I suppressed my anger, ushered my daughter inside, then turned and slapped him.

"Are you fit to be a father? You forgot to pick up our daughter, and she was alone at kindergarten until after nine o'clock!"

Joaquín stared incredulously. It was the first time I had hit him, but he knew he was wrong. A flicker of guilt crossed his eyes as he stammered, "I meant to go, but… I… I couldn't breathe from crying so hard. I thought you'd be there."

His confidence growing, he began to blame me. "If you hadn't angered Nyla with your big mouth, would I have needed to coax her?" He grew increasingly agitated and aggressive. "You don't know, we were childhood sweethearts, but you stole her place. If not for you, she wouldn't be so miserable. Is it wrong for me to give her a wedding, even if it's not real? What's your problem?"

I stared blankly, as if seeing his true face for the first time.

Joaquín, a mountain man, had an arranged bride, Nyla. He later attended college, leaving the mountains to become my father's student. Poor but handsome and diligent, he captivated me instantly, and I pursued him passionately. He never revealed Nyla's arranged marriage, instead blaming me for her misfortunes. He was selfish and cruel.

I smiled indifferently. "Then let's get divorced. I wish you a happy wedding." The words surprised even me, yet brought an immense sense of relief. A burden lifted.

Joaquín's face froze. He studied my face, questioning my sincerity. Too weary to argue, I sneered, "No need to rush; we'll leave tomorrow." He unexpectedly turned and fled into the house.

Gao Sheng said, "I brought gifts for you and Lia. Do you like them?"

Hearing of a gift, Lia darted out, happy as a bird. "Dad, what did you buy me?"

Joaquín smiled, producing a cake and a necklace. "For you."

Lia accepted them happily; her father had never bought her a cake before. But her smile faded instantly.