Unmasked My CEO Ex-Husband’s Regret novel Chapter 7

He didn't just dump the task on the company's accounting department; he personally handed her the salary and made the payments himself.

He used to say that bearing and raising their child was her contribution to the family, and it was his absolute duty to honor her sacrifices.

Yet now, it had been two months since she received that salary, and her insurance had lapsed.

In Julian's eyes, this family no longer mattered. Her hard work and sacrifices had lost all their value.

The cab required registration to enter the gated community, so Elara paid and got out, walking the rest of the way. As she approached her house, she replied to Julian:

[Alright. You have a sensitive stomach, so try not to drink too much.]

Just like always, she didn't pry; she only expressed concern for his health.

Finally, she added: [Make sure to drink the honey tea Melody made you, or she'll be upset with you.]

She had arranged to meet Sebastian at 4:00 PM outside Starry Sky Kindergarten.

By the time Elara took a cab there, Sebastian was already waiting.

He drove a remarkably understated Volkswagen today, completely at odds with his usual flashy or aggressively high-profile style. It blended right into the sea of cars.

Elara walked past his car, only stopping when Sebastian pushed the door open and called out.

"Elara."

As always, he used her first name.

His deep, slightly cold voice carried a subtle upward lilt at the end, like the winter sun peeking through thick clouds, glowing with a hint of hidden delight.

Elara stopped and turned. Her surprised gaze swept over the low-key Volkswagen before settling on him. "You're early."

Sebastian wore a navy overcoat over a perfectly tailored British-style suit. His hair was slicked back in a mature style, projecting the ultimate elite executive aura. He had clearly come straight from the office.

Was the executive director of a massive conglomerate really this free?

Sebastian shut the car door and tucked his hands into his coat pockets. He walked around the hood to stand in front of her, keeping his dangerously handsome face completely stoic as he stated arrogantly, "It's my birthday today. I have privileges."

Elara was speechless.

He was the sole heir to the Vance family. Since when did he ever lack privileges?

Elara didn't argue. She handed him the paper bag containing his gift. "Happy birthday."

Sebastian took it. It was light, containing an elegantly wrapped square box that gave no hint as to what was inside.

As he pulled his hand back, a faint herbal scent drifted in the wind.

Sebastian furrowed his brow slightly; he hated the smell of medicine.

Melody looked at his hand. With Elara's encouragement, she reached out her tiny hand, grabbed his four fingers, and gave a gentle squeeze.

When she let go, Sebastian lifted his right hand, presenting the paper bag. "Here's a little gift. I hope you like it."

Inside the bag was a four-inch cake in clear packaging. Melody instantly recognized it as a strawberry cream cake.

Not just any cake, but her absolute favorite—a cake made entirely of strawberries and cream, without any sponge base.

Her mom said eating too much cream was bad for her and only made it for her once a month.

But every time she recovered from an illness or did something praiseworthy, her dad would sneak her out to the bakery for a slice.

She had been sick last week and had been better for days.

And the week before that, her teacher had rewarded her for her arts and crafts, and her dad had even praised her on a video call.

Yet her dad hadn't taken her out for strawberry cream cake like he used to.

It had been so, so long since she and her dad sneaked off to eat strawberry cream cake together.

Had her dad forgotten their promise?

Or did he just not love her anymore, and purposely chose to forget?