Chapter 3

03

The same drama from my past life was starting all over again.

I watched her coldly. When I didn't react, Brianna's voice turned shrill.

"Zach! Nellie is your daughter! Saving her is your job!"

My fingers trembled with rage. I clenched my fists tight.

'My daughter.' The phrase made me want to vomit.

A crowd was starting to gather. People were even pulling out phones to record us. I knew fighting her here wouldn't help me, so I pretended to give in.

Satisfied, Brianna got up and dragged Nellie home.

As soon as she left, I picked up the DNA report that proved I had zero biological connection to Nellie. I emailed a copy to my department head and explained the situation.

With his help, I fast-tracked my paperwork. I hired a lawyer to handle my assets and put the house up for sale.

In my past life, Brianna refused to officially sign the marriage papers for years just to stay 'pure' for Lucas.

Legally, we weren't even married. That made disposing of the property much easier.

By the time I finished everything, it was late at night. Brianna finally called, screaming.

"What's wrong with you? Why aren't you home? Don't you know Nellie is sick and needs care?"

I listened to her rant while I sat in an Uber headed for the airport. I wasn't going to reveal my hand just yet.

"So? You're there to take care of her, aren't you?"

Brianna went quiet for a moment, stunned by my tone.

Then, Lucas's smug, deep voice came onto the line.

"Zach, are you a total loser? Your daughter is sick and you're running away? Tomorrow, I'm going to your office to report you for being an unfit father! Let's see if they still want you."

They were in it together, just like I thought.

I frowned and pulled the phone away from my ear, acting like I didn't care.

Seeing that her threats weren't working, Brianna tried the victim act again.

"Zach… I'm begging you. Nellie needs you. I… I need you."

She sounded like she was gagging on her own words. It took her a while to keep going.

"I'm on the roof of the hospital. It's so cold. I can't do this without you. If you don't show up… I'm jumping with Nellie!"

"No, don't! He's just a deadbeat, he's not worth it! Zach! What are you doing? Get over here right now!"

Listening to this theater, I felt nothing but coldness. But I played along.

"Fine. I'm coming. I already signed the donation papers. You'll get them soon."

I hung up and walked toward the boarding gate. I stepped onto the plane that would take me across the ocean.

Meanwhile, my lawyer was delivering that DNA report to the hospital.