Chapter 2

A wave of ice washed over me.

I couldn't believe my daughter, whom I'd raised with such care, could be so heartless. To her, a stranger meant more than I did.

When Chloe was little, she was often sick. I'd rush her to the hospital, staying ten days at a time was common. Back then, she'd always say, "Daddy, hug me, hug me."

Scarlett praised Chloe, "Good girl! Derek didn't spoil you for nothing. He'll be so happy when he hears this."

The "Derek" Chloe mentioned was Derek Jones, not only Scarlett's former classmate but also her accomplice in all her questionable antics.

When we first got married, I'd told Scarlett she was too close to Derek.

Scarlett ripped into me, saying that if anything was going on with her and Derek, it was none of my business anyway.

Footsteps approached. Scarlett came in front of me and kicked me hard in the head.

"Wake up, you useless bum!"

I scrambled up from the floor, my legs trembling uncontrollably. After kneeling all night, they were completely numb.

Scarlett looked down at me smugly. "Alex, do you realize your mistake?"

Seeing I didn't answer, Scarlett scoffed. "Angry? Good. Stay angry. Come on, hit me!"

I still didn't move.

Scarlett kicked me again. Already unsteady, I stumbled and fell to the floor.

Chloe rushed over and slapped my face. "Why are you so useless? Mom told you to hit harder and you can't even do that! Mom won't make money, how will she buy me pretty dresses?"

I was utterly numb. I used to have a good job, but after the "abuse" went public, the company fired me.

Every day, I'd cover myself up completely before going out to do odd jobs.

All the money I earned, I handed over to Scarlett.

After giving so much, all I got back was being called useless.

Scarlett kicked me again. "You stay home and reflect. If you haven't changed by the time I get back, you can forget about ever seeing Chloe again."