"This morning, your daughter was hospitalized due to vomiting and diarrhea. How could you still be in the mood to go shopping?"
Olive was in the hospital again?
My heart ached. While I was ignoring the punches and kicks people threw at me in passing, I shoved through the crowd, hailed a taxi and headed straight to the Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital.
In the hospital ward, Olive was lying on her bed with a pale face. Both Miranda and Ralph sat on either side of her, guarding her closely. The moment I got into the ward, the doctor began criticizing me.
"Didn’t you keep promising that you won’t let her eat shrimp after discharge? So, why did you feed her shrimp again?"
"I didn’t-"
Before I could finish, Olive turned her head and weakly complained to Miranda, "Mom, Dad was the one who insisted I eat shrimp. He said shrimp is nutritious and it will heal me faster …"
"Mom, can you just make Uncle Ralph my dad?"
It felt as if I was being struck by lightning.
Since when did Olive learn to lie?
Meanwhile, Ralph hugged her while his eyes reddened.
"Anthony, what the hell did you do? Can’t we just talk things out? Your daughter is innocent…"
Miranda, unable to hold back, rushed over and slapped me hard across the face.
"Even a tiger doesn’t harm its own cubs! Why are you so angry with me? Why are you trying to hurt Olive?"
I staggered and braced myself against the wall, while my cheek was stinging. At that moment, Miranda’s assistant rushed in and handed me an exquisite gift box.
"Sir, this was specially flown in from Italy by Miss Moon. Could you please stop making such a scene … "
So, the slap in the face was followed by a sweet bribe?
I couldn’t help but sneer, taking the gift box before handing it straight to Ralph.
"Take it. You don’t need to go to such lengths to win her over."
Miranda’s expression turned dark. She snatched the gift box, opened it and showed a set of priceless, high-end watches inside. Then, she personally fastened one onto Ralph’s wrist and then shouted at me, "Get out! I’ll never humiliate myself for you again!"
I turned to leave, but my mother-in-law blocked my way.
"Are you trying to run away now? You caused my granddaughter to be hospitalized and not even going to pay the medical bills?"
I quickly scanned the QR code to cover Olive’s hospital expenses, then asked her in despair, "Olive, why did you lie? You … "
Out of nowhere, she burst into tears.
"Get out! You’re a bad person! I don’t want you to be my dad anymore!"
Ralph’s eyes gleamed with pride and satisfaction and in that moment, my will to fight for Olive collapsed. Unfortunately, she had Miranda’s blood running through her veins. That was the reason why she could change her mind so easily.
Three days later, I arrived at City Hall right on time, but Miranda never showed up. Instead, her assistant brought a new divorce agreement. This time, I was the one leaving the house.
"Miss Moon said if you sign this, she’ll consider allowing you regular visitation to see Miss Olive."
Without further ado, I tore up the agreement.
"Tell her I’ll see her in court."
I already hired an elite lawyer, quickly filing an appeal. But to my surprise, Miranda was one step ahead. The very next day, I received a court summons. She already filed for divorce, accusing me of infidelity and child abuse.
On the day of the trial, every friend and relative who could attend showed up. They were all Miranda’s supporters. Every single one of them looked at me with disdain, including my own parents.
Miranda approached in her high heels and whispered, "It’s not too late to change your mind. If you stop causing trouble and don’t interfere with my night fishing, I’ll give you another chance."
My parents came over too, their expressions cold.
"Don’t block your own path. If you admit your mistakes now, Miranda might forgive you and we’ll still acknowledge you as her husband."
However, I ignored all of them and walked straight to the dock.
Soon, the trial started. Miranda's lawyer delivered an impassioned speech, listing my numerous offenses.
The judge reviewed the evidence and asked me on the spot, "After reviewing the defendant's infidelity and abuse, this court will grant a divorce if there are no objections. The child will be raised by the plaintiff and the defendant will be evicted from the house."
The courtroom erupted in cheers.
Miranda smiled victoriously as Ralph even hugged her in excitement.
Just as the judge was about to strike the gavel, I stood up and objected loudly, "I object. Your honor, I have evidence proving that the plaintiff is the one at fault."
Some people no longer wanted to hide their true feelings, so why would I need to cover up for them?
