Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 356

"Never," Elara answered without a second of hesitation.

Instead of being surprised, Melody just sounded deeply curious. "Why?"

Back when they still lived at the old house, there was a time she had gotten furious at her dad and thrown a tearful tantrum. Julian had looked at her like she was some kind of monster, his face twisted in absolute disgust and impatience.

Melody knew her mother would never look at her with that terrifying expression, nor would she ever find her annoying. But she desperately wanted to understand why her father had reacted that way.

"Because everyone cries. Kids cry, and adults cry too. We cry when we're sad, and sometimes we even cry when we're happy. It's a completely normal bodily reaction. Why would anyone find that annoying?"

Elara explained patiently, adding softly, "Besides, you are my daughter. Whether you're laughing with joy or crying your eyes out, you will always be my precious baby, and I will always love you."

It was exactly the answer she had hoped for, yet hearing it still made Melody overflow with joy. She turned her head and planted a massive, wet kiss right on Elara's cheek, pitching her voice up into a sweet, dramatic chirp.

"Thank you, Mommy! I love you too!"

Once the words were out, she immediately fell silent again.

Elara knew it wasn't over. Melody still had more to say, so she didn't rush her, simply patting her back in a slow, rhythmic motion. It was a silent promise that she was safe and that her mother would wait as long as it took.

Melody nuzzled deeper into the crook of Elara's neck. Only when her body fully relaxed did she finally speak. "So, when Daddy looked at me like he was disgusted and impatient while I was crying, it was actually because he didn't love me anymore. That's why he looked at me like he hated me, right?"

It sounded like a question, but the absolute certainty in her tone was unmistakable.

Melody had known the answer for a long time; she had just been clinging to a shred of hope.

She had prayed that her instincts were wrong, that her father didn't actually hate her or stop loving her. She desperately wanted him to love her the way he used to.

She had held onto that tiny sliver of hope, waiting and waiting.

Only to be hit with the reality that he had abandoned her and her mother entirely.

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