Replacing My Daughter's Daddy

"Wait for me. I'm returning to the country."

I ended the call, then scooped Lucy into my arms and headed for the exit of the banquet hall.

"Apologies, Madam. Mr. Langer instructed that you're not allowed to take Miss Lucy away," the security guard said, blocking my path.

I forced myself to stay upright as I unlocked my phone, only to be met with a fresh social media post from Becca.

It was a photo of Robert.

[Thanks to Robert for rushing me and the children to the hospital in time. He's a great dad and husband!]

Pain lanced through my chest, sharp enough to steal my breath. I could almost taste blood rising in my throat.

"Mom! What's wrong?" Lucy's frightened eyes darted to the corner of my mouth.

"She's vomiting blood! Hurry! Get her to the hospital!" someone shouted.

Chaos erupted as people scrambled to carry me out. I drifted into unconsciousness and didn't wake for three whole days.

When I finally opened my eyes, Lucy was nowhere in sight.

"Lucy!"

"A man claiming to be the little girl's father came just now," the nurse explained. "He took her away."

I froze, a chill settling in my gut. Something was wrong… terribly wrong.

It took three calls before Robert finally answered.

"Robert! What have you done with Lucy? What are you trying to do?"

He gave a cold laugh. "What am I trying to do? You should be asking yourself that. You taught Lucy to harm Becca's babies. Do you take me for a blind man?"

"Nonsense! Lucy would never do such a thing! This is all Becca's scheme!"

I struggled to get out of bed, the IV tugging painfully at my arm.

"A scheme?" His voice was frigid. "The surveillance footage clearly shows Lucy holding a pair of scissors, approaching the crib, saying she was avenging you. Audrey, what a fine daughter you've raised."

The words hit like a plunge into an ice pit. No… impossible. Lucy had begged me not to blame him just days ago…

A crash sounded on the other end, followed by my daughter's tearful voice.

"Daddy, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt Adam and Sammy…"

My hand trembled around the phone, tears spilling unchecked.

"Lucy—! Robert, don't touch her! She's only seven years old. If you need to vent your anger, take it out on me! I'm begging you…"

But he cut me off without hesitation.

"From today onward, I'll be in charge of Lucy's upbringing. If you dare interfere again, don't blame me for disregarding whatever remains of our marriage."

The call ended.

Ignoring the nurse's protests, I yanked the IV from my arm and staggered toward the door.

No matter what it took, I would get my daughter back!