Chapter 2

"Lewis, the child is innocent."

Falcon turned back to me, his voice edged with pleading.

"I admit it , I've known about Anna for a while. But I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to overthink things."

"I've already been making arrangements to send them abroad. I promise they'll never appear in front of you again."

I watched him perform his little act with cold detachment.

"Didn't want me to overthink? Falcon, do you think I'm an idiot?"

I walked to the living room, grabbed his briefcase, and dumped everything inside onto the floor.

Besides documents, there were two VIP annual passes to an amusement park, and a tuition payment receipt from a preschool.

The payment date was two weeks ago. In the signature line, Falcon's name was written clear as day.

"You hid this so well."

Falcon stared at the receipt on the floor. The color drained from his face.

He looked away, unable to meet my eyes.

"I want a divorce."

I said it calmly. No screaming, no hysteria , just a deep, bone-tired exhaustion.

"Lewis." Falcon grabbed both my shoulders.

"I'll send them away tomorrow. I'll give you everything , all the money. Please don't leave me..."

Maybe five years ago, I would have softened.

But now, I felt nothing but disgust. I shoved him away with all my strength.

"Falcon, I already gave you one chance five years ago."

"I will never, for as long as I live, forgive someone who betrays me twice."

I turned and walked into the bedroom to pack my things.

Falcon followed me in. He grabbed the clothes out of my hands and screamed, his eyes red:

"Lewis! Can you just calm down for one second!"

"I'm just trying to be a father , is that so wrong?"

I looked at his self-righteous expression and let out a short, bitter laugh.

"There's nothing wrong with being a father. But you had no right to drag me into it."

"Since you love your daughter so much, go build your little family of three with them."

I stepped past him and walked out with just a few pieces of clothing.

Katherine stood in the living room with the child in her arms, a victor's triumph glowing in her eyes.

I stopped as I passed her.

"No need to rush claiming your territory. This trash , I don't want it anymore. Help yourself."

Then I walked out of the home I had lived in for five years, without looking back.

As the door shut behind me, I heard Falcon call my name in desperate despair from inside.

But I didn't turn around.