Daddy Daddy
1354 Words
Lily's eyes widened in shock as her mother's hand connected with her face.
She stumbled backward, her cheek stinging from the slap.
"How dare you call me an evil grandmother!" Mrs Evans seethed with anger and Lily looked down at her feet, afraid that her mother would pour out her frustration on innocent Emma if she said a word.
"You are courting death, mother-in-law!" Ethan's voice thundered through the room, balling his fist in anger.
He took a step forward and continued speaking. "You have no right to lay your hands on my wife and my child! Let this be the last time you dare do such a thing!"
Mrs. Evans felt like a fly had just spoken. She sneered at Ethan. "And you have no right to interfere. You've never been a part of this family. Don't forget, you are not my son-in-law!"
"The point is you just hit Lily and threatened to hit my daughter." Ethan suppressed a growl. The only reason why he didn't want to start an argument was because he didn't want to put his wife in a difficult position with her family.
However, he decided that he was going to teach them a lesson never to mess with his loved ones again if they continued to maltreat his wife and daughter.
Mrs. Evans simply shrugged and turned to apologize to Lily because she felt somewhat guilty. "I was only trying to scare Emma. You completely misunderstood me, Lily. Little Emma shouldn't just go running into Ethan arms like he has been here for her all these years. I am looking out for you both"
"Mother, stop. Just stop." Lily said firmly. "Ethan won't be leaving this house, Mother. He will be staying right here with me and Emma. She needs him!"
Mrs. Evans' had a look of disbelief on her face,but Lily continued, turning to Walter. "And as for you, Walter, I think it's best you leave. I don't love you, Walter. You're a good man, but I don't feel the same way. You deserve better than someone who doesn't love you."
Walter's face fell, but before he could respond, Mrs. Evans intervened. "Lily, don't be ridiculous! Walter is a great catch! A lot of women are begging for his attention.You should be grateful he's even interested in you.”
Mr. Evans nodded in agreement. "Yes, Walter is a fine young man. You'd do well to marry him and secure your future."
Lily shook her head in disagreement. "I won't marry him, Father. I deserve better than a loveless marriage."
“I am the head of this family. My decision is final.” Mr Evans said and winked at Mrs Evans who immediately got the signal.
She turned to Walter, apologizing with a gentle smile. "Don't mind her, Walter. She's just talking nonsense. You are well educated with a good upbringing, some loser cannot compare to you."
Walter was about to respond but Mrs. Evans continued, "Lily will come around, dear. She'll agree to marry you. Just give her time. We are her parents after all and whatever we say is final."
Walter clenched his jaw. He didn't like being rejected. He didn't like being told no.
No woman had ever rejected him before. He was the first son of the Scott family, the heir to the Scott's Group empire. Why was Lily rejecting him?
He thought to himself, 'What's wrong with her? Doesn't she know who I am? Doesn't she know what I can offer her?'
Mrs. Evans seemed to sense his doubts and placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "Don't worry, Walter. She'll realize what a good opportunity this is."
Walter turned to Lily and said in a gentle voice. "Lily, don't be hasty. I know we haven't known each other long, but I truly believe we could have something special. You deserve the best, and I can offer you that."
Ethan couldn't help but scoff loudly. How dare Walter try to woo Lily in his presence?
Lily turned her face away. "I've already made my feelings clear, Walter. Please respect my decision."
Ethan smiled at Lily's response, this was the same Lily he remembered even though give long years had passed.
Just then, Emma tugged on Ethan's leg. "Daddy, I want you to come with us. I want to have dinner with you, sitting by my side."
Mrs. Evans' face contorted in distaste. "Oh, please, Emma, don't be ridiculous. Your father has no place with us. This is a special dinner and reservations were made by the Scott family. We can't invite your father over."
But Emma's eyes sparkled with joy. "I want Daddy to come with us."
Mr. Evans cleared his throat, his voice gruff as he stared at his granddaughter with pity. "Well, I suppose it's not every day he gets to dine people like us. Very well, but only for today."
***
Minutes later, the group arrived at the five-star restaurant, surrounded by the warm glow of fine dining tables.
They settled into a private VIP room.
Everyone laughed with malicious intent, hoping that Ethan would somehow embarrass himself for Lily to see the type of a loser he was.
Ethan sat beside Emma with Lily sitting opposite him.
As they prepared to order, Ethan reached out and gently touched Lily's hand. "Lily, I'm sorry. For everything. I know I can never make up for the past, but I want to try."
Lily's face softened, she nodded and turned to look away, as if trying to hide the pain in her eyes.
Just then, Walter cleared his throat. "I have a little something for Emma. A gift to celebrate our upcoming union."
He took out a small, exquisite diamond bracelet from his pocket. "This is a rare, limited edition piece. Cost me a small fortune, about $50,000, to be exact."
Emma's face lit up as she took the bracelet, captivated by its sparkle.
"Oh, this is beautiful. "
"It's so expensive."
Walter smiled smugly, enjoying the attention he was getting. "Oh, it's just a token of my affection. She deserves only the best, after all."
Ethan was a little stunned. He felt guilty for not bringing a gift back home for Lilly and Emma after being gone for so long.
Mrs. Evans beamed with approval. "Walter, you're too kind. Emma is so lucky to have you in her life. You will make a great father."
Lily rolled her eyes at her family's comment, wishing they could at least stop showering praises on Walter like he was some sort of god.
"What about you, Ethan? You have been gone for so long. What gift did you bring for your daughter? Of course, you must have gotten a gift too."
This time around, Walter asked with a challenging gaze.
Both Mr Evans and Mrs Evans nodded their heads, waiting to see what Ethan had gotten little Emma.
Ethan became speechless, they were just about to ask more questions but fortunately, the waiter arrived to take their orders and they forgot about the issue for a while.
Emma's face lit up as she showed off her new bracelet. "Daddy, Daddy, look at my bracelet!"
His expression softened as he took in the sight of his daughter's excitement. But as he took a closer look at the bracelet, his eyes narrowed. Something didn't seem right.
He took the bracelet from Emma's wrist. And then, he saw it. A tiny marking on the bracelet which was a sign of a cheap counterfeit.
But that wasn't the worst of it. As he held the bracelet closer to his nose, he detected a faint scent of radiation.
Ethan's heart raced as he realized the shocking truth. The bracelet wasn't just fake, it was also radioactive.
How could Walter be so reckless and cruel?
"Walter, are you planning to kill my daughter ?" Ethan's asked, immediately slamming his fist on the table to create a huge dent.
Walter's smile disappeared and adjusted in his seat. "I-I don't know what you're talking about."
"This bracelet is not only fake, but it's also radioactive. You're putting my daughter's health at risk."
- Writer
