Chapter 10 As soon as Dylan's words left his mouth , I moved without thinking . I lunged forward and punched him square in the face . Despite being over fifty , I kept myself in shape , and that punch landed hard enough to knock Dylan straight to the ground . I bent down , grabbing him by the collar , my anger boiling over . You've used my money , resources , and family , and now you dare to hurt my daughter ? Are you trying to ruin your life ? " My voice was cold , and I could feel the rage building inside me . Shaken by the punch , Dylan tried to regain his composure . His voice shook as he stammered , " I'm sorry , Dad . I didn't mean to , but she's my cousin . I couldn't just stand by and watch . I'm sure you understand … " I cut him off , my voice sharp with fury . " I don't give a damn about your ' understanding ! ' Everything you've got , you've gotten because I've helped you for my daughter's sake . If you can't treat her right , don't you dare use me as an excuse to lie to her . Keep pushing me , and you've got a death wish ! " Dylan froze . I saw his jaw tighten , but he didn't resist . So , I leaned in even closer , tightening my grip on his collar . " I'll give you one day , Dylan , " I continued , my voice darkening . " Cut ties with your cousin , or I'll take back everything I've given you . " Dylan's face turned pale , and although I saw the anger and resentment flashing in his eyes , he didn't fight me . We stood there in silence for what felt like an eternity before he finally sighed in defeat . " Fine , " he muttered , pulling out his phone . " I won't reach out to her anymore . I'll focus on caring for Karla and our daughter . " My eyes didn't soften . I raised my eyebrow and asked disdainfully , " And how am I supposed to believe you ? " Dylan hesitated, glancing between me and Karla , who stood silently behind him with a sad expression . Feeling humiliated , he picked up his phone and , right in front of me , located his cousin's WhatsApp account . He then deleted her and blocked her . " Happy now ? " Dylan asked , his voice thick with resignation . Annound at his dicroepoctful response Lecowled " How bidl Ston protonding you're the ong My Husband Staged Our Divorce to Marry Vie First Love 0170 23:20 Mon , Aug 11 X Annoyed at his disrespectful response , I scowled , " Hey , kid ! Stop pretending you're the one being wronged . You know how much you've benefited from this family . You took our money and favors , so you should've known better . If this happens again , I'll throw you out of this house ! " I'd always been cautious about Dylan , but Karla , my daughter , had fallen for him , and her world seemed to revolve around him . I had tried to prevent their marriage , but Karla responded by attempting suicide . Eventually , I reluctantly accepted Dylan into the family , hoping it would ease her pain. I released Dylan and straightened up . My gaze shifted to Karla , who had been silently watching with tear - filled , red eyes . I softened my tone as I spoke to her , " You can work hard for everything in life , but when it comes to love , if he doesn't love you , it's pointless . No matter how hard you try , it's useless . It's time to let go . " Karla's eyes filled with fresh tears as she looked at me and asked , " You mean like how you loved Mom ? " The question hit me like a ton of bricks . I froze . My mind raced as I processed her words . I asked myself , ' Is that how I treated Suzy ? ' For years , I focused on Ingrid while shamelessly accepting Suzy's love and care . I hurt her more times than I can count . I even started a fake divorce , putting her through a month of hardship just to please Ingrid . Could it be … ? I realized something at that moment . I've treated Suzy this way , and now my daughter feels the same pain . I pushed her away just as I pushed Suzy . My mind raced , but the words got stuck in my throat . I turned and left the room without saying another word , overwhelmed by guilt and confusion . The burden of the evening had exhausted me , and I needed space to clear my mind . I went up to the rooftop for some fresh air . I lit a cigarette , hoping it would calm my nerves . But after just a few puffs , I started coughing uncontrollably , feeling the burn in my chest . I noticed red spots appearing on my arms . I had forgotten that I still had an allergy to cigarettes . I stood there , alone , no one to help me , no one to take care of me . The only sound I heard