A Wedding Night Gone Terribly Wrong novel Chapter 152

Annie had been born underweight and premature, making her exceptionally clingy to her caregivers. The very first word she had ever learned to say was "Dad."

She had loved Quentin deeply, constantly trying to draw a sense of security from him. But Quentin had shattered her little heart.

...

Quentin had returned from buying the gifts, spotting the lively scene in the private dining room from down the hall. At the table, Winifred and Seth were laughing and chatting with the guests. Under the table, Annie was playing happily with two other little girls. And standing right behind Annie, guarding her every move, was a man radiating wealth and authority.

Quentin's footsteps faltered. The urge to hand-deliver the gifts evaporated. He flagged down a passing waiter, handed over the bags, and asked him to deliver them instead.

When the gifts arrived, Mrs. Channing muttered something to Winifred, causing her to turn and look toward the doorway.

Annie followed her mother's gaze, and her eyes locked with Quentin's across the distance.

Instantly, the little girl's bright smile vanished. Like a startled deer, she dropped her toy bag, stood on her tiptoes, and threw her arms up, silently begging to be held.

The man guarding her immediately scooped her up. Annie buried her face in the crook of his neck, resting her head on his shoulder and clutching his suit jacket with her tiny fists. She looked as though she had just seen a monster she desperately needed to escape.

It was a critical hit to Quentin's heart. It felt as if a thousand arrows had pierced his flesh, shredding his chest into pieces. It hurt. An agonizing, soul-crushing pain. The girl's complete reliance on him had been transferred to someone else. His Annie didn't want him anymore.

Sure, she had said she didn't want him before, but he had brushed it off. Annie had always relied on him. He was all she had. He had assumed that whenever she needed a father's love and security, she would inevitably come running back. He had always been so confident that he had Winifred firmly in his grasp, entirely convinced she had no one else to lean on. How could a destitute single mother with two helpless toddlers possibly survive without him?

But tonight was undeniably different. Annie had found someone else. She had found a protector who could provide the security she craved.

Shelly flared up instantly. "What's so great about this stupid bracelet anyway? Why is it so expensive? I'll smash it to pieces and throw it in her face!"

Then, offended by his tone, she added, "And why are you yelling at me again? I'm your woman! You're supposed to spoil me!"

Quentin clenched his fists. "Not anymore."

"What did you just say?"

"We're done. Get out."

His voice was absolute. There was no room for negotiation. He was dumping her.