Happy Birthday


    I smirked, knowing dealing with Mnie was a piece of cake. However, I decided to keep a low profile


    after signing the contract as it would make anyone envious. It wouldn’t be wise to stir the pot at this


    sensitive time.


    As for using Mnie, I would have to wait for the right moment.


    Although Tuesday was my birthday, I might have forgotten it if my mother hadn’t prepared a special


    breakfast. Ava woke up early and sang a birthday song with her childlike voice. Her voice was so


    heartwarming that I felt an indescribable mix of emotions.


    Matthew was supposed to be away on a business trip on this dayst year. However, he returned in the


    evening with a ne, aplete set of makeup items, and his wishes. We even went to Al Dente, a


    well–known restaurant, for dinner with the whole family.


    Looking back now, I wondered if he had been on a business trip or if he had been spending time with


    Mnie.


    I chuckled bitterly, feeling a lump in my throat. I lowered my head and bit into a waffle, saying, “Mom, I


    know it’s my birthday today, but you’ve sacrificed so much to raise me. Let’s go out for dinnerter.”


    My father chuckled and raised his hand in agreement. But my mother hesitated, asking, “Why don’t we


    N?velDrama.Org owns all ? content.


    cook at home?”


    My fatherughed and pointed at my mother, saying, “Chlo says it’s your ‘suffering‘ day, and you still


    want to cook at home? You’re indeed a good wife who likes staying at home. Getting you to rx is


    impossible.


    “Yeah, Mom! Please don’t cook today. You’ve worked hard enough. I’ll reserve a table and invite


    Ivanna, Ryan, and a new friend to join us. Let’s have a good time and rx.”


    Ava clung to my arm and blinked her innocent eyes. She asked earnestly, “Mommy, are we going to a


    restaurant?”


    “Yes, sweetheart, do you want to go?” I looked at my beautiful daughter and was touched. I kissed her


    chubby cheek and said, “My baby loves going to the restaurant, doesn’t she?”


    “Great! Let’s go to the restaurant!” Ava pped and jumped a couple of times. Then she paused, “But


    will


    Daddy.


    She stopped herself from saying more, and my heart skipped a beat. I knew she wanted to ask if her


    dad


    would be there.


    “Daddy won’t be there. From now on, I’ll take you to restaurants. You can order whatever you want to


    eat.” I hugged her and spoke earnestly. I didn’t want to fabricate lies and deceive her like divorcees


    who made their children wait indefinitely.


    I knew there were times I couldn’t shield Ava from these things, and she had to learn to face them.


    “Daddy is bad. He kissed Aunt Mnie and not Mommy. Bad Daddy! I don’t want to eat with him


    anymore!


    She looked at me and said thoughtfully, “I saw it!”


    Her words shocked me. I never knew she saw such a thing. Still, I couldn’t tell Ava he wasn’t bad or


    encourage hatred to grow in her heart. Hatred was dangerous and difficult to remove once it took root


    in


    one’s heart.


    My parents and I exchanged helpless nces. Then, my fatherforted me, “Hey, don’t think about


    such unpleasant things. Today’s a day to be happy. You’ll meet someone who truly cares and loves


    you. You have nothing to regret. There’s no need topromise, either!”


    “I don’t want Daddy too! I want a good daddy, not a bad one!“.


    “Ava, listen to Mommy. He’s not bad, he’s just-”


    “He’s bad! He even hits you and screams at you, Mommy! He made you cry, too! Bad Daddy!” Ava


    looked at me, her little face contorted with anger. She said with determination, “I don’t want him!”


    I held Ava tightly. Daughters typically cared for their mothers more; my daughter was no exception.


    My heart still felt heavy when I reached my office the following day. I didn’t want Ava to harbor such


    hatred at a young age. Still, I could do nothing to defend Matthew.”


    At that moment, I started to miss As even more. It had been days since Ist saw him, even though I


    knew he was busy after reiming hispany. He probably had many things to manage. Moreover, I


    felt


    he didn’te from a simple family.


    I held my phone for a long time. Finally, I could no longer hold back from calling As. It took some time


    before he answered my call, and I heard his low voice, “Yeah?“