Better Without You

When Benjamin woke up the following day, he spoke coldly, "Jocelyn Stevens, I will take responsibility for this and marry you."

I thought my happy life was about to begin, but I accidentally overheard his conversation with a friend at a gathering. "Ben, you should count yourself lucky. Jocelyn has a great figure, comes from money and most importantly, she loves you. Just settle down with her."

Benjamin exhaled a puff of smoke and sneered, "At first, I had some feelings for her, too, but I never expected her to be so easy. The thought of her drugging me and forcing herself on me that night disgusts me."

I hadn't even figured out how to explain things to him before he got his visa and left the country two weeks later. That night, however, left me with a child.

I gave birth to my daughter, Esther, alone, eagerly awaiting his return. Instead, I found him entangled with Cynthia and her daughter.

The villa was eerily quiet. I picked up my phone, just about to call Benjamin and ask when he would come home. Just then, the door swung open and he walked in indifferently. He glanced at the sleeping Esther and casually said, "Jessica is coming over to play tomorrow. You and Esther should go out."

Noticing my confused expression, he smiled faintly and explained, "Jessica is possessive. She can't stand seeing another little girl call me 'Daddy.'"

The anger that had been building up inside me finally exploded. I let out a bitter laugh. "Benjamin, do you even remember who your real daughter is? Do you know what happened to Esther at kindergarten today?"

Benjamin frowned slightly and cut me off. "Jocelyn Stevens, I don't need you to remind me. I'm sorry about what happened at kindergarten today. Jessica also had a parent-teacher meeting today. Cynthia and her ex-husband are divorced. She's a single mom and can't handle everything. Besides, before I met you, I promised Cynthia that I would never let her suffer. I've already married you, just as you wished. So, you have no right to stop me from caring for them. This is my debt to them."

After speaking, Benjamin threw his coat aside and went straight to the bathroom. The sound of running water drowned out my helpless sobs. If I had known marriage with him would turn out like this, I would have rather died than give in that night.

I smiled bitterly at the divorce agreement I had just drafted. I would have divorced him long ago if it weren't for Esther, but I decided to give marriage one more shot after considering her suffering later. I didn't want her to grow up without a father.

Early in the morning, Esther woke up and learned that her father had returned. She jumped excitedly on her bed. "I want to show Daddy the painting I just finished!"

Children are forgetful. Esther had already forgiven Benjamin for what happened at kindergarten yesterday. She happily ran downstairs, but as soon as she reached the living room, she saw Cynthia and Jessica. Benjamin was gently peeling an orange for Jessica. "Daddy, who are they?" she asked.

Benjamin scowled when he saw that Esther was still at home. "Why are you still here? Where's your mom?"

Esther was startled but still carefully held up the picture she had spent a whole week drawing. "This is a family portrait I made for you, Daddy. I wanted to give it to you when you came home."

Just as she was about to hand it over, a small hand snatched it away. "What a stupid drawing!"

Jessica stomped her foot and tore the picture in half. She stood with her hands on her hips, glaring arrogantly before shoving my daughter hard. "He's my daddy! Esther, all the kids at school say you're a bastard child. Who permitted you to call my daddy yours?"