Replacing My Daughter's Daddy

I was feeding my seven-year-old daughter, Lucy Langer, when Robert Langer crashed through the front door, reeking of alcohol.

His shirt collar hung askew, and red marks blazed across his neck.

"Audrey," he said hoarsely, "someone spiked my drink at the charity gala. But don't worry. I've already had my lawyer handle it."

I nodded. After so many years of marriage, I knew he only had eyes for me and our daughter. He never strayed.

Or so I believed… until eight months later.

While Robert was away on a business trip, his cruise ship caught fire. The news dominated every channel.

Clutching a sobbing Lucy, I rushed to the hospital, only to find him swathed in bandages, standing outside the maternity ward.

"Becca is pregnant," he murmured. "It was that night at the gala… I didn't think it would happen from just once…"

He gulped.

"When the fire spread, she saved me. But she… got trapped herself."

A newborn's wail pierced the corridor as the delivery room doors opened. Becca White was wheeled out, looking pale and exhausted.

She clutched my sleeve and pleaded desperately, "Audrey… my babies can't grow up without a father…"

Robert Langer turned to me. I could see the conflict in his eyes. "Lucy needs her mother… but Becca's babies…"

I tightened my hold on my trembling daughter and cut him off with a cold laugh.

"Robert, either you make them disappear for good, or I'll take Lucy and leave."

His eyes burned red as he pinned me against the wall. "I can't lose either of you!"

Then came the celebration for the twins’ birth.

The Langer family estate blazed with lights and celebration.

Lucy clung to the back of my skirt, peeking timidly at the newborn twins.

I slipped off my wedding ring and pressed it into her palm. "Sweetheart, we're going to meet your new daddy."

When I made the call, Andrew Thompson's deep voice came through the line. "Audrey, I'm so happy you've finally decided to call."

Inside the Langer family villa, the atmosphere brimmed with joy. Laughter and toasts echoed through the banquet hall.

"Congratulations, congratulations! The Langer family finally has heirs—twins, no less."

Robert cradled the two infants, his face glowing as he handed out gifts to the guests.

Beside him, Becca leaned weakly against his shoulder, gracefully accepting the guests' congratulations to "Mrs. Langer."

I stood at the entrance holding Lucy's hand.

She shrank behind me, her timid gaze fixed on the lively scene before us. Her simple clothes stood in stark contrast to the lavish surroundings.

Becca glanced up, her eyes glinting with smug satisfaction. "Robert, Audrey and Lucy are here."

The banquet fell briefly silent as the guests turned to look in our direction.

Robert's smile stiffened. He put down the baby boys in a cradle and strode toward me.

"Audrey, why didn't you tell me you were coming? I could have sent someone to pick you and Lucy up…"

A mocking smile tugged at my lips.

Was he truly eager to see me, or just afraid I'd interrupt his perfect family?

Whispers rippled through the crowd.

"So that's the legitimate wife who couldn't give the Langer family a son for over eight years? I heard she was left with health complications after her first birth and can't conceive again. If it weren't for Robert protecting her, the family would have kicked her out long ago!

"And she even left home for three whole months, taking their only daughter with her, just because she didn't want Becca and the twins living here. How childish."

"Robert's dad's dying wish was to hold a grandson. Mark my words, Audrey will be replaced by Becca sooner or later…"

Becca’s eyes gleamed with triumph as she slowly approached, strolling the cradle of her twins.

"Audrey, from now on, Lucy will have two younger brothers. We should let them get to know each other. Lucy, why not come and check on your brothers?"

The moment Lucy stepped closer, Becca held a pair of scissors to hurt her sons’ hands—then pressed the scissors into Lucy’s palms.

She moved so fast that even I, and the rest of the crowd, barely noticed it.

With a startled cry, Lucy stumbled back. The twins began to wail, their sharp cries filling the air.

"Lucy!"

Robert, almost in anger, shoved her away.

She stumbled and fell, scraping her knee, and burst into tears.

"Robert, are you out of your mind?!"

I knelt to gather her into my arms, glaring up at him.

But he ignored me, cooing at the baby boys in the nanny's arms.

Wiping at her eyes, Becca spoke in a tremulous voice. "Audrey, I know you dislike me, but you can't teach Lucy to hurt the boys. If Robert hadn't reacted in time just now, their eyes could have been poked out…"

Gasps and murmurs spread like wildfire.

"Such cruelty at her age?! What kind of mother raises a child like that?"

"The Langer family can't possibly tolerate such a wild girl!"

I tightened my hold on my trembling daughter, my voice ringing with fury.

"Becca, how could you twist the truth in front of all these guests? Aren't you afraid of retribution?"

She turned pleading eyes toward Robert. "Robert, Audrey still can't accept me. Maybe I should just take the children and leave the Langer family…"

His face darkened, disappointment flickering in his gaze as he looked at me.

"Audrey, I've spoiled you and Lucy for too long. If you can't discipline her as a mother, then I'll do it as her father."