Chapter 3
A pang hit my chest, and I quickly led my son back to my desk.
Before I could explain, my son’s eyes had already reddened. He looked up at me and asked:
“Mom, is that the person Uncle likes?”
In that instant. I lost all my strength to speak and could only nod, tears brimming in my eyes.
My
son didn’t ask anything else. He quietly took out his homework and started writing.
But tears still soaked the pages.
I held him in my arms. He was my entire world.
Harvey, you have two chances left before my son and I leave for good.
After packing up, my son and I prepared to head home.
On the way, he asked me,
“Mom, can Uncle come to the parent–teacher meeting tonight?”
In seven years of marriage, Harvey had never attended a single parent–teacher meeting for our son
Looking at his hopeful eyes, I couldn’t bring myself to refuse, so I sent Harvey a message,
“Our son has a parent–teacher meeting tonight. Are you free?”
As usual, the message disappeared into the void, with no response.
My son lowered his head, hugging his backpack as he asked softly:
“He doesn’t want to come, does he?”
Then, forcing a smile, he tried to act nonchalant.
It’s okay. Uncle’s busy. I can understand.”
Hearing his mature words, my chest felt as if it was being crushed by a heavy stone, suffocating me with pain.
The Billionaire’s Hidden Daughter
16
Chast as I was about to speak, my phone chimed.
was a message from Harvey.
“I’m free. I’ll come.”
1
Joy surged through me in an instant. I couldn’t wait to show the chat screen to my son.
“Lucky, did you see? Daddy said he’ll come!”
My son froze for a moment before his face lit up with a bright, happy smile.
In seven years of marriage, this was the first time Harvey had agreed to attend our son’s Parent–teacher meeting.
With Harvey’s promise, my son was excited the entire way to school.
He chattered endlessly, telling me how many times the teacher had praised him this semester, how many top scores he had achieved, and how many awards he had won.
He even shared that he had been elected class president for the semester and that the teacher had promised to announce it at tonight’s meeting.
As my son spoke, he asked me:
“Mom, if Dad knows how well I’m doing at school, will he like me more?”
I froze for a moment, and then an even deeper ache filled my heart. Silently, I prayed that Harvey wouldn’t break his promise.
Before we leave, I hope my son can get what he wishes for, even if it’s just a lie we tell ourselves.
The clock on the wall chimed over and over as the time for the parent–teacher meeting drew closer.
But Harvey still didn’t show up.
Meanwhile, Vivian’s WhatsApp updated.
In the photo, Harvey sat beside an unfamiliar little boy, patiently teaching him how to build a Lego
set
The caption read: “Future Super Dad.”
turned to look at the living room.
The Billionaire’s Hidden Daughter
y seven year old son sat quietly on the couch, playing with his Lego set.
he same toy. The same age. The same need for company,
But Harvey had never been there for him.
Sensing my gaze, my son seemed to understand something and cautiously asked:
“Mom, is Dad busy again?”
I stared blankly into his eyes, unable to tell him the truth.
That his father wasn’t busy but was spending time with another child.
I couldn’t bring myself to say it. Like so many times before, I simply pulled him into my arms, my
heart aching, and told him:
“It’s okay. You still have Mom. I’ll always be here with
you.”
My son, so understanding, didn’t ask any more questions. But his reddening eyes betrayed his
emotions.
On the way to school, neither of us mentioned Harvey again.
It was as if he had never promised anything, as if this family had always been just the two of us.
Harvey, you have one chance left.
After parking the car, I held my son’s hand as we walked into the school.
But the moment we stepped into the classroom, I froze in place.
“Harvey?”
“Dad?”
