Zeke whipped out his phone and gave Cygnus Room a call.
“Please connect me to Carina Bentzen. Yes, it's urgent. I need to talk to her now.”
Carina Bentzen?
Zander felt a stab in his heart when he heard the familiar name.
Carina was his fiancée, the woman he had yet to officially marry.
Back then, he made a huge mistake trying to stand up for Carina.
Before he could marry her, though, he was sent to military jail. Their marriage was naturally called off.
Of course, he never forgot about Carina. Over the years, he didn't marry or lay a hand on other women.
He couldn't believe he was about to reunite with Carina this way.
Zander clenched his jaw. “Zeke, do you seriously think I'll admit defeat if you threaten me with Carina? I'll die to make it up to her!”
Zeke shook his head. “No, you're getting ahead of yourself. You are not worthy of Carina.”
Right then, Carina's voice sounded over the phone. “Great Marshal, do you have an order for me?”
Zeke said, “Where is Gracie? I'd like to talk to Gracie.”
“Okay.” Carina's initially solemn voice softened when Zeke mentioned that name. “Please wait a moment, Great Marshal.”
Gracie?
Zander was confused, for he was pretty sure that he didn't know anyone going by the name of “Gracie.”
What is the Great Marshal getting at?
Soon, a sweet voice belonging to a little girl rang out. “Hello, is this Uncle Zeke? I miss you! When are you going to play with me?”
Zeke replied in an affectionate voice, “Gracie, I miss you, too. I'll find you after I finish my business here. I'll even buy you your favorite lollipop.”
“Thanks, Uncle Zeke!” Gracie thanked him happily.
“Gracie, did you listen to your mommy and focus on your studies?” Zeke asked.
Gracie responded smugly, “Uncle Zeke, I'm a good girl. Besides, I got first place in class and received a reward from my teacher! Can I give my reward to you?”
Zeke chuckled. “Thank you, Gracie. That's the best gift I've ever received. Time to go to school, Gracie. Be good and wait for my return.”
“Mm, okay!”
The call was ended.
Zeke pocketed his phone and turned to Zander. “Don't you have any questions for me?”
Carefully, Zander asked, “Was that Carina's daughter?”
Zeke nodded. “Yes.”
“Is Carina married? Does her husband treat her well?” Zander continued.
Zeke shook his head.
Suddenly, comprehension dawned on Zander as his eyes bugged out in disbelief. “W-What are you talking about? If Carina isn't married, then her daughter, Gracie, is...”
Zeke found a photo of Gracie and showed it to Zander. “Take a look for yourself.”
Zander took the phone hastily and glanced at the photo. He immediately burst into tears.
The man was bawling without a care about his image as he hugged the phone in his arms.
The little girl in the photo looked adorable and gorgeous. Zander felt his heart melt at the sight of her huge eyes.
Most importantly, the little girl looked like a miniature version of him!
She resembled him so much that it could only mean one thing—she was his daughter.
Zander had lost it. Crying and laughing at the same time, he bellowed, “She's my daughter. Gracie is my daughter! Hahaha! I can't believe I have a daughter. This is too good to be true! Oh, I'm a scum. Carina had to take care of Gracie alone all these years. I don't deserve to be her husband or Gracie's father. I'm a beast. I'm a piece of trash! Gracie, I'm sorry. I really am. I couldn't keep you company and take care of you. I deserve to die. I shall hit myself. Carina, Gracie, will you forgive me?”
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