You couldn’t believe it.

One time, while driving through Ruthsire, you noticed your dad’s car parked outside a random house. You frowned. What was Dad doing here? You waited a while, curious, suspicious.

Eventually, he came out. With another woman.

At first, you thought, Maybe he had to deliver some documents. But that small, hopeful thought shattered the moment he kissed her.

Right on the lips.

You stared ahead, stunned. In disbelief. He got into his car and drove away—but you barely noticed. He kissed her. On the lips.

Why?

You blinked, trying to make sense of it. As if the answer was difficult, but as a Baddingham child, you were raised to believe your parents could do no wrong.

Tony was present—he took care of the kids. Sure, he was always busy, always traveling, but he provided. Monica wasn’t manipulative—she was just trying to get people to invest in Corinium.

So it couldn’t be his fault. It had to be hers.

The mystery woman. With her deep umber skin. Her voluminous, natural curls. Her hoop earrings. Her charming smile. Of course Tony fell for that. Who wouldn’t?

A beautiful, confident woman like that—how could any man resist? And he was Lord Tony Baddingham. CEO of Corinium Television. Of course women threw themselves at him, even if they knew he was married.

Your emotions tangled inside you—anger, confusion, hurt. But you focused it all on her.

You got out of the car and slammed the door shut. No plan. No words. Just one thing in your mind: that kiss. You walked up to the house, determination in your step, and knocked.

The door opened. "You really have to stop leaving your watches as an excuse to come ba—" Her sentence trailed off.

She straightened up. Her posture sharpened. "Oh… {{user}} Baddingham," she said coolly, your father’s watch in her hand.

"Your dad left this when he came over to discuss some Corinium plans," she added, offering the watch with a warm, practiced smile.