Chapter 2
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birthday happens to fall during that variety show. I planned to invest an extra few hundred thousand dollars to book the venue and celebrate her first birthday on the show.”
I looked down at our daughter, sitting on the carpet and playing with toys, and though I was about to refuse, the words got caught in my throat.
After all, it would be her only birthday with both parents present.
…..
On the day of the recording, Mason held Anna in one arm, his other hand firmly holding mine.
In front of us, a six–tiered cake full of childish charm stood, decorated with vibrant colors.
“Anna, do you like the cake?”
Colorful ribbons cascaded down in response, and Anna waved her little hands, reaching for them.
She giggled and babbled excitedly.
But then, without warning, a few words suddenly slipped out. “Da… Daddy!”
The moment I clearly heard the sound, I stared in disbelief at my smiling daughter.
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A mix of emotions surged within me.
Mason, on the other hand, was visibly thrilled, his expression showing unmasked joy.
“Honey, did Anna just call me ‘Daddy‘? Sweetheart, call it again,” he urged, his excitement showing.
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Under great excitement, he announced he would give every staff member on set a monetary gift worth several thousand dollars.
Immediately, the dozens of staff members present broke into smiles, eager to shower Anna with praise.
I held Anna’s hand and finally, from the heart, flashed a genuine
smile because of her.
Amidst the joyful atmosphere, there was suddenly a loud crash from the filming crew’s side.
Following the sound, I looked over to see a woman with an innocent appearance, her eyes welling with tears, standing next to the knocked–over tripod.
She shot a deep, lingering glance at Mason before she couldn’t hold back her tears any longer and turned to run off.
Mason, who had just made a promise, instinctively stepped forward but froze when our eyes met, his expression quickly
retracting.
He complained in a low voice, trying to hide his true emotions,
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“No professionalism at all! Who brought this person in?”
But when it came time for Anna’s first birthday ceremony, he seemed distracted.
His gaze repeatedly flicked towards the filming crew as if searching for someone.
As nightfall approached, he made an excuse to leave, saying he had something urgent to attend to.
The ancient town, with its small bridges and flowing water, was bathed in the soft glow of yellow lights.
It was almost nine o’clock. According to Mason’s original plan, we were supposed to take Anna to the Blessing Bridge to make Anna’s first birthday wish. But he still had not returned.
The crew was waiting, and I sensed something was off. Reluctantly, I had no choice but to hurry and search for Mason with Anna in my
arms.
As we passed by the arch bridge, I caught sight of two intertwined figures in the shadows beside the bridge.
The moment I heard the sound, I instinctively covered Anna’s ears.
But I could only helplessly endure their intimate, breathy whispers piercing my eardrums.
“Harper, why are you crying? Can’t you bear it?”
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Mason gripped her wrist tightly, pressing her body against the rough
tree trunk.
His voice carried a clear tone of mockery.
“If you hadn’t gone abroad back then, you’d be the one walking the red carpet and getting admired. And today, it would be our child calling me ‘Daddy‘.
“Harper, do you regret it?”
In the shadows, I couldn’t make out Harper’s expression, but her broken sobs were crystal clear.
“Mason, I beg you, let me go, please.”
Yet, as she pleaded, her bare arms clung to him even tighter.
I watched them, more and more consumed by their passion, a cold smile spreading across my face.
But inside, a great sorrow surged in my chest.
Without noticing, the hand covering Anna’s ears relaxed unconsciously.
At this moment, with a loud bang, the fireworks scheduled initially for 9:09 PM shot up into the sky.
As our initials spread across the night, Anna, in my arms, was startled by the explosion and immediately began crying loudly.
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Not far away, the two entang
