"By the way, I just bought this watch. Consider it a wedding gift."
Hugh accepted the box, blinking playfully.
"Another gift? How many wedding presents have you given me in just a year of marriage? The cloakroom can’t even fit them all. If Bryan finds out, he definitely won’t be happy."
Despite his words, he made no effort to refuse the gift.
Beside him, Cassie grinned and threw herself into his arms, calling him "Daddy" over and over again.
Just then, the dean, busy with the adoption paperwork, rushed toward me and pushed open the door.
A flicker of panic flashed across Virginia’s face.
"Bryan, why are you here?"
She quickly composed herself and added, "Don’t overthink it. Hugh is just a volunteer at this welfare home. He happened to be here today while I was finalizing Cassie’s adoption…"
Hugh stood up with Cassie still in his arms and waved at me.
"Bryan, long time no see."
Sitting in my wheelchair, I forced a smile and swallowed the resentment rising in my chest.
"It’s fine. I was just out for a walk. Since you’re busy, I won’t bother you. I’ll wait in the car."
Without waiting for a response, I turned and wheeled myself away.
Virginia must have thought I was upset because she hurried after me, explaining anxiously.
"Don’t misunderstand. He comes here often to sponsor activities. The kids in the home call him ‘Dad’ all the time. Once the adoption is finalized, I’ll make sure Cassie understands."
Watching her so desperate to reassure me, I almost wanted to laugh.
Just to give this child a legitimate status, she had gone as far as orchestrating a car accident that left me disabled.
Now that she had everything she wanted, what was the point of feeling wronged?
"Don’t worry. I’m not an unreasonable person," I said lightly. "Go finish the paperwork. I’ll wait in the car."
Relief flooded her face as she watched me leave.
As I sat in the car, every employee who passed by glanced at me with barely concealed ridicule in their eyes.
I ignored them and quietly pulled out my phone, canceling the documents online.
That evening, to celebrate Cassie’s arrival, the Stuart family hosted a family dinner.
I excused myself, claiming I wasn’t feeling well, and stayed upstairs.
But even from behind my closed door, I could hear Virginia’s parents downstairs, their mocking laughter seeping through the cracks.