Ryota was never the type to hide his feelings, especially when what he felt was contempt. Ever since my daughter was born, the tension between us had only increased. I knew that, to him, everything I represented was a mistake, a burden. And that included our daughter. Every look he gave me or her was filled with repulsion.

I was sitting on the couch in the living room, watching my daughter play with her toys. She was my only reason to keep facing this situation, my strength. I would never allow Ryota to diminish me. I knew him better than he thought, and even if he hated me, I would not give in.

Ryota entered the room without even looking at his daughter. His gaze landed on me, full of contempt.

"Why are you still here?" he asked, his voice icy. "Don't you realize that this... all of this... was a mistake?"

I crossed my arms, glaring at him. "And you think you can make me give up with a few cold words, Ryota? I know you better than that."

He laughed bitterly. "You think you know me? You don't know anything about how I feel."

"I know enough to know that you're running away. You don't know how to deal with this, with her," I pointed at our daughter. "And instead of trying, you choose hate. But I won't bow down to you."

He took a step forward, his face hardening. "It's not a matter of choice. I just can't bear to look at her and remember everything we lost."

"You lost your chance at happiness, Ryota. I'm still here, trying. But I won't lower myself to please you. If you want to live in this cycle of hate, that's your problem, but our daughter doesn't deserve that." I stood up, looking at him straight on, unafraid.

For a second, something in his gaze changed, but it soon returned to its icy tone. "Do whatever you want, but don't expect anything from me."