CHAPTER 1 — The Moment After Silence
The room didn’t move.
Only the sound of Lily’s uneven breathing filled the space.
Victoria’s face remained frozen, but her eyes betrayed her—fear, calculation, and something like panic trying to hide behind elegance.
I didn’t look at her.
I walked straight past.
Every step across the shattered durian shells made a dull crunch under my shoes.
Lily flinched when I knelt beside her.
“Dad…” she whispered, like she wasn’t sure I was real.
I removed my jacket and wrapped it around her trembling shoulders.
My voice dropped.
“Don’t move. Don’t talk. I’ve got you.”
Her fingers gripped my sleeve so tightly it hurt.
Behind me, Victoria finally spoke.
“This isn’t what it looks like—”
I stood up slowly.
And for the first time, she stepped back.
Not because I shouted.
Because I didn’t.
“I was gone for six days,” I said quietly. “And you turned my daughter into this.”
Silence again.
Then I pulled out my phone.
One call.
“Security. Penthouse. Now.”
Victoria’s voice sharpened.
“You wouldn’t dare—”
May you like
I turned my head slightly.
“You already did.”
