He Got the Mistress. I Got the Empire. Chapter 08

He Got the Mistress. I Got the Empire. Chapter 08

My father’s eyes softened with ache.

“Come here, Elise. Grandpa will take you to the hospital.”

After a few days of rest, Elise’s complexion improved, though her spirit remained fragile. She often woke from nightmares, and I stayed by her side in the hospital throughout.

Because Lisa had taken the lead in that disastrous scene, Freddy was quickly released on bail.

Not long after, he appeared at the ward door carrying an elegant fruit basket and a bouquet of Elise’s favorite pink baby’s breath. Dressed in a plain shirt and slacks, with stubble shadowing his jaw and dark circles under his eyes, he looked worn and disheveled.

He lingered at the threshold.

“Honey… Elise… I came to see you both.”

My daughter, curled against me with a book in her hands, lifted her gaze. For a moment, her eyes brightened, and she whispered, “Daddy…”

I could see it clearly—though fear lingered, deep down, she still longed for her father’s love.

As if receiving a pardon, Freddy hurried in and held out the bouquet.

“Sweetheart, do you like it? Daddy remembered you love pink baby’s breath best.”

Elise accepted the flowers with a small nod, though her eyes flickered away uneasily.

From his bag, he produced a delicate box of desserts, his tone coaxing.

“I also brought your favorite mango pudding, Valerie, this is from that shop you always liked.”

I sat silently. After what had happened, I refused to push Elise further. Her little world had already been shattered once.

Over the next half-month, Freddy showed up at the hospital nearly every day. Sometimes he brought meals, sometimes toys, sometimes he simply sat by the bed, talking quietly with Elise. He never once mentioned Lisa or Eugene, as if that scandal had never happened.

When he noticed I wasn’t outright rejecting him, he tested the waters.

“Valerie, I know I’ve committed unforgivable sins. But for Elise’s sake, could you give me another chance?”

With our daughter present, I didn’t answer. I only peeled an apple in silence. Yet my lack of rejection seemed to spark hope in him.

The very next day, fresh flowers, clothes, and jewelry began arriving without pause. I accepted every gift, because… why not?

When Elise was finally discharged, Freddy appeared again, this time clutching two fashion show invitations. His eyes lit with excitement.

“Valerie, do you remember when I landed my very first project? I bought you a dress. I told you then—one day, when I had money, I’d buy out an entire runway show and dedicate it to you.”

He held up the invitations, his voice trembling.

“Valerie, this show is only for you.”

I looked at him then and almost laughed. So he hadn’t been incapable, nor had he forgotten. He had simply chosen not to, until now.

At last, I spoke.

“Freddy, do you really think these gestures can erase everything?”

He seized my hand desperately.

“Valerie, I know it isn’t enough, but I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you and Elise. I’ll cut Lisa off completely. I’ll send them abroad. They’ll never disturb us again.”

While he dreamed aloud of our future, I handed him the divorce papers I had prepared long ago.

His fingers froze. The invitations slipped from his grasp and fluttered to the floor. His voice broke into a hoarse murmur.

“To err is human, Valerie. Must you be so ruthless?”

I answered calmly, “Let’s end this with dignity. There’s no need to make it uglier than it already is.”

He scanned the agreement, his face darkening.

“Valerie, you’re merciless! How dare you demand I walk away with nothing?”

I had expected his refusal. My tone was cool.

“Then we’ll settle it in court.”

Freddy drew in a deep breath, his voice tinged with reluctant surrender.