I Waited in the Cold, But You Never Returned

The Michael of the past remembered every special day—

Lily’s birthday, our 500th day, our 1000th day anniversary.

Even on days I forgot—our first kiss. On the day we signed our names—he always prepared surprises for us.

But now, he no longer held us, mother and daughter, in his heart.

When I stayed silent, Michael handed the cake to Lily with forced warmth.

“Look, Lily, don’t you love cake the most?”

Our daughter, who once adored her father, flinched and pushed him away.

She was terrified—still remembering being hit with a cake by Victoria’s son.

Michael’s face darkened. He turned on me angrily.

“Look what you’ve done to her! If she won’t even eat cake, what’s the point of having good food? Victoria was right—you deserved to wash those dishes!”

“Do you know why Lily’s crying?” I said calmly. “Because that cake is what Victoria’s son left behind.”

At once, Michael panicked.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that. Lily, Daddy didn’t mean it.”

He wanted to say more, but I tiredly led Lily back to our room.

“Remember to sign the divorce papers.”

My words seemed to ignite his fury.

He smashed the cake and grabbed my wrist. “Enough already! It’s just a cake—why can’t she eat it?”

I couldn’t hold back anymore and shouted,

“It’s blueberry cake! Our daughter is allergic to blueberries—do you want her to die?”

Michael froze.

“I forgot. I’m sorry, it was my mistake. But I won’t agree to a divorce. I’ll take you both to celebrate her birthday now, alright?”

He pulled us along, calling to book a private room.

Just then, Victoria emerged from the hallway, clutching her stomach in pain.

“Michael, it hurts!” she whimpered.

Michael instantly let go of me.

The faint smile that had just appeared on Lily’s face disappeared.

I held her close, watching as he rushed to lift Victoria into his arms.

“Yaoyao’s cramps must’ve flared up. When it’s bad, she vomits and faints—it could be dangerous. I can’t ignore her.”

I stayed silent as he hurried off to get the car.

Only Lily, Victoria, and I remained in the lobby.

Victoria deliberately exposed the hickeys to her chest and crossed her arms, sneering.

“You’re just a useless, worn-out woman. What right do you have to cling to Michael? No wonder he doesn’t touch you—he says you smell old.”

“I’m three years younger and prettier than you. Do you know how crazy he gets with me?”

“If you had any dignity, you’d leave.”

“Don’t worry,” I said coldly. “I have no interest in breaking up that scumbag and bitch.”

Her face twisted in rage, and she slapped me hard. “Who are you calling a bitch?!”

“Don’t touch my mother!” Lily rushed in front of me—

but Victoria stumbled backward and fell down the stairs.

Michael, hearing her scream, burst in just as she hit the floor.

Victoria pointed at Lily, crying pitifully. I instantly understood what she was doing.

But before I could speak, Michael struck me across the face.

“What did Victoria ever do to you? Why can’t you stand her?! You even made Lily hit her, you heartless woman!”

“Lily didn’t! We didn’t touch her!” I cried, but Michael didn’t believe me—while Victoria clung to him, sobbing.