He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 252

The sheer humiliation of being so easily replaced sparked a fierce, desperate resistance within him. Taking a deep breath, Yardley forced his spine straight, desperately trying to project his old, untouchable authority.

"Scarlett, I'm going to ask you one last time," he said, his voice tight. "Do we really have to do this?"

Her eyes were devoid of any warmth. "Yes."

The color drained from Yardley's face. "Even if I've completely woken up? Even if I finally realize every mistake I made in the past... you still won't change your mind?"

A bitter, barren wasteland reflected in Scarlett's gaze. A mocking smile touched her lips. "You're begging for forgiveness now? Don't you think it's a little pathetic? I can't stuff Dawn back into my stomach and give birth to her all over again. The last chance you had with me died the moment she was born."

Yardley knew this was coming, but hearing the words spoken aloud brought an indescribable agony. "Fine... then I have one final request. Going forward, let me see our daughter at least once a week. If you think the child support in the agreement isn't enough, I'll increase it. Whatever number you want."

Scarlett shook her head without a second of hesitation. "You lost the right to be her father the moment you abandoned us during her birth and her first month. The best thing you can do for her is stay out of her life so she never has to hope for a father who won't show up."

She paused, a sharp edge entering her voice. "Besides, your mother said it herself—you'll never lack women willing to give you a child. Dawn is just a girl. I'm sure there are plenty of women lining up to give you the son you all want."

Even bringing it up sent a phantom ache through Scarlett's chest. It was the twenty-first century, yet the Flynn family's deeply entrenched, aristocratic obsession with male heirs remained as toxic as ever. Honestly, she was profoundly grateful Dawn was a girl. If she had been a boy, the Flynns would have fought tooth and nail for custody, and getting her baby out of that house would have been a nightmare.

Catching the biting sarcasm in her voice, Yardley grew agitated. He reached out, desperate to grab her hand. "Scarlett, I have never cared whether she was a boy or a girl! I love... I love Dawn. Please don't strip me of the chance to be a father to her."

Scarlett took a swift step back, dodging his touch. "Too little, too late, Yardley. Stop humiliating yourself."

He froze, his Adam's apple bobbing sharply. Closing his eyes, he swallowed his swelling emotions. When he spoke, his voice was a broken rasp. "Alright. We're doing this. Do you really have nothing else to say to me?"

Scarlett stopped, turning slightly to meet his gaze. Her eyes were terrifyingly calm. "No."

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