Daughter Called Another Man “Dad”,So I LeftChapter 1: The Birthday Banquet
On the day of the twins' birthday, the CEO wife brought her first love home.
Watching the two of them together, inseparable, Wilfred Dickerson finally decided to let go.
"Hildegarde, I don't love you anymore. I'm setting you free."
"Wilfred, can you please stop making a scene?"
"I'm not making a scene. From now on, I just want to live for myself."
Five years ago, Hildegarde Pruitt—the eldest daughter of one of Cloudhaven's most powerful families—had her heart shattered when her childhood sweetheart abandoned her for a marriage alliance overseas.
In her despair, she agreed to an arranged marriage of her own.
After the wedding, Wilfred gave up everything for her. He believed his devotion could melt her icy heart, that sincerity would be met with sincerity. But in the end, it was nothing more than wishful thinking.
Hildegarde's heart had always belonged to the man who left her.
Now, that man was back.
Wilfred finally saw things clearly. He decided to give them both a dignified way out.
That day, he carried his luggage in one hand and his daughter in the other, walking past Hildegarde and her first love without a word.
Hildegarde barely glanced at him. Her voice was cool and detached. "Wilfred, if you walk out that door today, don't think you can come back so easily."
"Don't worry, Hildegarde. I won't be coming back."
"From here on out, our paths won't cross again."
——
For the twins' birthday banquet, Hildegarde had invited nearly every prominent figure in Cloudhaven's business circles.
At the head table, Hilary Pruitt clung to Patrick Lyons's arm, calling him "Daddy Patrick" with sugary affection.
Patrick smiled and lifted the five-year-old onto his lap, planting a kiss on her chubby cheek. Then he turned to look at Wilfred, who stood off to the side like hired help, and smirked.
"Now, Hilary, that's not quite right. Wilfred is your real father. When there are people around, you should call me Uncle Patrick. When we're alone, then you can call me Daddy Patrick."
Laughter rippled through the banquet hall.
All eyes turned to Wilfred, glinting with amusement.
Hildegarde spared him a single glance, her gaze as cold as frost. "Wilfred, what are you standing there for?"
"Patrick said he wanted those butter tarts you make. Why haven't you brought them out yet?"