Chapter 463

Grace was instantly furious, like a cat with its fur up, her face twisted in anger. "Disgusting? Caleb, you're the one who cheated. I've been doing everything for this family, taking care of our daughter. I haven't done anything wrong to you. How dare you call me disgusting?"

"Your very existence disgusts me."

Grace snapped back, "I didn't force you to marry me."

"What you did was even worse."

Caleb hated sneaky tactics, especially if they hurt the woman he loved. That was asking for trouble.

"Stay away from her and our son!" Caleb's warning came through gritted teeth, making Grace shiver. But she gathered her courage and said, "This is just the beginning. If you keep being stubborn, Candy will suffer more, and it'll be your fault."

Caleb's face darkened. He'd protect his daughter, even if it cost him his life.

Night fell.

The wall lamp cast a soft yellow light on Candy's pure, angelic face.

Her glassy eyes stared at him unblinkingly.

"Why are you staring at me?" Caleb's face softened, his voice gentle. It was the look of a father at his daughter, a look that could melt anything.

"I'm afraid if I close my eyes, you'll be gone."

"Silly girl. Didn't I promise you'd see me when you wake up?"

"But what about tomorrow, the day after, and the day after that? Daddy, I'm really scared..."

"What are you afraid of?"

Caleb had noticed Candy was troubled that morning but didn't know why.

Candy hesitated, her pink lips trembling.

"Candy? Tell Daddy what's wrong. Daddy will protect you."

Candy hesitated more, wanting to speak but stopping herself. Finally, she shook her head. "It's nothing. I'm just afraid you'll leave me and Mommy."

"Daddy, I was really mad at you before, but I'm more afraid you don't want me. The teacher said everyone makes mistakes, but the important thing is to correct them. Daddy, Mommy and I both love you. Can you come back?"

Caleb would do anything for his daughter, except when it came to Susan and Oliver.

They were like two ends of a scale, both irreplaceable and impossible to give up.

"Candy, some things you'll understand when you grow up."

"No, I don't want to grow up. I don't want to understand those things. I wish I could stay Daddy's little girl forever."

"You'll always be my little girl, even when you grow up."

Candy's eyes filled with disappointment, her face wilting like a withered flower. "But I think I was happier when I was little. The older I get, the more worries I have. If that's the case, I'd rather not grow up."

"Silly girl," Caleb sighed.

"Daddy, do you not love Mommy?"

Caleb didn't want to answer such a harsh question. "I will always love you, my daughter."

"Then can we stay together forever? Please, Daddy." Candy held up her pinky, wanting to make a promise.

Caleb didn't want to let her down, but he also didn't want to make a promise he couldn't keep. He'd already disappointed her too many times. Making a promise he couldn't keep would just break her heart.

He gently wrapped her pinky with his hand and tucked her back into bed. "Go to sleep."

Candy understood and felt disappointed. The light in her eyes dimmed, but she still said, "Goodnight, Daddy."

"Goodnight." Caleb kissed her forehead and caressed her face. He had poured so much love into this daughter, spoiling her and not wanting her to suffer. But now, his guilt towards her was as deep as it was towards Susan and Oliver.

He had hurt the people he loved most. He felt he deserved to suffer.

If only he could bear all the pain alone, that would be great.

Caleb felt as bitter as unsweetened coffee.

Candy's long eyelashes lifted as she looked at him. "Daddy, will I see you when I wake up?"

"Of course."

"Okay." Candy finally felt at ease.

Caleb stood in the light, gazing at Candy for a long time, like a statue.

When he looked up, he saw Grace in a light purple silk nightgown, revealing a patch of white skin and long legs. Her figure was alluring under that sheer, sexy nightgown.

Her body exuded a warm, seductive fragrance, full of temptation.

But what surged in Caleb's heart was not desire, but intense disgust.

His disgust was instantly visible on his face. "What are you wearing?"

Grace didn't care, casually drying her half-wet hair. Her voice lacked the harshness of the day, sounding a bit lazy. "A nightgown. I always wear this to bed."

She had bought all kinds of beautiful and sexy nightgowns, but to him, she was invisible.

"This is a hospital."

"So what? This is a VIP room. No one dares to barge in."

Caleb's eyes were full of disdain, treating her like a prostitute.

Grace was unhappy. She was being treated like a prostitute, while Susan, the real prostitute, was being cherished by him. How ironic. Men were all blind.

"I'll stay here tonight."

"What? Trying to win over my daughter? No way. I brought her to the hospital, and you want to take all the credit. Caleb, you're so selfish. Don't think I'm a fool who doesn't understand anything, playing mind games in front of me."

Her words pricked Caleb's nerves like needles.

Caleb couldn't stay in the same room with Grace, not even for a second.

He stood up abruptly. "Then you stay with her. I'm leaving."

Grace urgently questioned, "You want to abandon your daughter? Didn't you promise her?"

"Are you going to see that woman again?"

"Whether I see her or not is none of your business!"

"I'm still your wife!" Grace emphasized, "Caleb, don't think I'll sign the papers. Even if it drags you all down, I won't sign."

"It's because you're so extreme that I can't let our daughter stay with you."

"Isn't this all your fault? You cheat, and I have to smile and happily sign the divorce papers, wishing you all happiness? I really hope curses come true and all the bad things happen to you."

"Crazy woman." Caleb turned to leave.

Grace had a sudden idea and pretended to trip, falling into Caleb's arms.