Chapter 4
Richard hadn’t always been this passive.
Before Elena came into their lives, he had been a devoted father. After his first wife passed away, he had raised Chloe alone for four years. Those years had been difficult, but they had also been filled with love. He and Chloe had been a team.
Then he met Elena.
She was beautiful, elegant, and charming. She knew exactly how to make him feel seen and appreciated. After years of grief and loneliness, Richard had fallen for her quickly.
When they got married, Richard had genuinely believed that Elena would be a good mother to Chloe. He had told himself that Chloe needed a woman’s presence in her life. He had convinced himself that Elena’s coldness toward Chloe was just her way of adjusting to the new family.
He had been wrong.
Over time, Elena’s behavior became more obvious. She would make subtle comments about Chloe’s appearance, her manners, and even her personality. She would buy expensive gifts for herself but give Chloe cheap, thoughtless presents. She would plan trips and activities that didn’t include Chloe.
And Richard had let it happen.
Every time Chloe came to him crying, he would comfort her but then tell her to “try to get along with Elena.” Every time Elena complained about Chloe, he would ask his daughter to be more understanding.
He had been trying so hard to keep his marriage together that he had failed to protect his own child.
That realization hit him hard.
One night, after putting Chloe to bed, Richard stood in the hallway outside Elena’s room. He could hear her talking on the phone inside.
“…she’s becoming more and more annoying. I don’t know how much longer I can deal with that child…”
Richard felt his blood run cold.
He had heard enough.
He turned around and walked back to his study. For the first time in years, he didn’t try to make excuses for his wife.
Instead, he sat down at his desk and opened his laptop.
It was time to face the truth.
Elena had never loved Chloe.
And she had never truly loved him either.
She had only loved the lifestyle his money could provide.
Richard closed his eyes and made a decision.
May you like
He was done looking the other way.
It was time to protect his daughter — even if it meant ending his marriage.
