One Man's Love Is Another Man's Poison

"You and your son… you're nothing but an organ bank Emma prepared for Zion and I!"

Daniel's face twisted with rage, yet his eyes glinted with a perverse excitement that made my head spin.

My son couldn't bear it. He wriggled free from my arms and ran straight at Daniel.

"Bad man! You're not allowed to say that! You can't hurt Daddy!"

Daniel snapped. He grabbed my son's ear and yanked hard.

"You little cripple!"

I lunged forward, shoving Daniel aside, my hand raised to strike.

But the next second, a sharp slap landed squarely on my face.

Emma had arrived just in time. She stared at her reddened hand, trembling, face pale.

"Honey… I… I didn't mean to. I…"

Her eyes filled with tears as she shakily touched my cheek.

"Does it hurt? I really didn't…"

"Emma!" Daniel grabbed her hand, his tears flowing like a faucet. "Emma… I'm scared."

Zion clutched her leg, eyes brimming with tears. "Emma… they're bullying me and Daddy."

The compassion in Emma's eyes faded, replaced by a sharp, heavy disappointment.

"Leo… haven't I given you enough? Why do you have to pick a fight with Daniel? Take some time to calm down. I'll take Daniel and Zion to stay outside."

And with that, she turned and walked away.

My son instinctively called out, "Mom!"

Her steps faltered, but she didn't turn back.

Once they were gone, Teddy finally gave up hope. He stopped crying, stopped struggling. He just pouted, leaning toward me and blowing gently on my face.

"Daddy… does it hurt? And here… does it hurt a lot?"

Seeing the worry in his eyes, my carefully maintained strength shattered completely.

"Teddy… Daddy's in so much pain… it really hurts."

Countdown: five hours.

I printed the divorce papers I had prepared and placed them on the coffee table, right where she would see them the moment she entered.

On the way, I received a photo Daniel had sent.

He and Zion were taking a selfie in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of a luxury suite. In the background, Emma was meticulously making the bed.

I didn't reply. I silently saved the photo and forwarded it to my lawyer.

Me: [New evidence.]

Countdown: three hours.

I helped my son get dressed and packed up the toys in his room.

Countdown: one hour.

I took a taxi with Teddy, heading to the airport.

On the way, I finally received a message from Emma.

Emma: [Honey… I was wrong last night. I was too impulsive. I've also apologized to Daniel on your behalf. From now on, you and Teddy should try to avoid them as much as possible.]

She then sent a photo of two neatly wrapped gift boxes.

Emma: [I bought gifts for you and Teddy. I'll be home soon.]

Teddy glanced at the phone screen, expression cold.

"Daddy… let's go."

I nodded and turned off the phone.

Meanwhile, Emma, who hadn't slept all night, returned home.

"Honey… Teddy… I'm home."

Seeing the empty villa, a flicker of unease crossed her face. Something felt wrong.

She reached for her phone, about to call, but in turning, she knocked over a stack of papers on the table.

"What's… this? Divorce papers?"

Her face went white, and she nearly fainted.

At that moment, the doctor's urgent call came through.

"Emma, we're in trouble… Leo has discovered our secret. The lawyer's notice has already been sent to the hospital."