Ruolan's POV
After lying to Ziyu about that man visiting today, she had been waiting patiently Normally, she would have dozed off like she always did. I used to wonder if she had hypersomnia, but it's just because she has nothing to do.
She's five years old and doesn't even know the word friend exists.
"Baby, would you like to eat anything?" I asked softly, appearing in front of her with a smile.
"When is Papa coming?" She replied, hugging her brown teddy bear tightly.
She completely ignored my question all because of that stranger. I cleared my throat and glanced at my wristwatch. Almost noon. That meant he would arrive any moment now.
I couldn't afford to be distracted by that handsome man. I had a mission to focus on.
The doorbell rang.
Ziyu immediately hopped off the couch and ran to the door.
"Baby!" I called, rushing after her, only to see her already in his arms.
He was here again.
Chen Hao.
He looked even more captivating today. I can't get enough of his handsome face.
Dressed cleaner than the day before, his presence was undeniably charming. Those deep black eyes, neat brows, and soft lips paired with a gentle aura—it was difficult to look away.
He waved. I waved back and led him inside.
"Papa!" Ziyu cheered, her arms wrapped around him. Her little face glowed with more excitement than yesterday. She truly was happier with him.
"I apologise for my daughter's behaviour. She never acts like this," I muttered.
"It's fine, ma'am" he signed politely.
Ma'am?
So formal.
"Papa, are you going to leave again?" Ziyu asked, looking up at him. He glanced at her, then back at me.
Ah jeez!
"Ziyu..." I tried to call her to order, but she ignored me again. All because of this man.
"It's alright, ma'am" he signed with a calm smile.
His smile made my cheeks warm. Why did he have to look so cute?
"Excuse me..."
I retreated to the kitchen and returned with a glass of juice.
Ziyu had fallen asleep in his arms.
I sighed in relief.
"She's finally asleep, I apologise once again,"
He shook his head gently.
After he laid her on the couch, silence fell between us. I had nothing to say, and he couldn't speak. He simply sipped his juice slowly... Almost like a cat.
No. He looked like a cat.
Quiet. Graceful and...
Strokeable?
"About the compensation..." I began. He placed the glass on the table and looked at me with curiosity. "I'd like to make a deal with you,"
His expression softened with confusion as he tilted his head.
"It might sound selfish, but... I wish for you to become my child's father," I said.
He stayed silent, though I wasn't expecting a voice. Just a reaction. And he looked... surprised.
"She refused to eat dinner last night because you weren't around. Don't worry! It's only going to last for a year," I said.
A year!
By then, I'd be done with my mission and then run far away with my daughter. Still, he said nothing.
"I won't restrict you from doing your job. I'll pay you too. If you don't trust me, we can draft a contract,"
"That would be great, ma'am," he signed.
Relief washed over me.
We drafted a handwritten contract and signed it. I'd pay him ten thousand a month, just for acting as Ziyu's father.
It was temporary. Nothing more.
He didn't seem to mind, and I didn't want to overstep.
"You can move into the house whenever you want. I'll prepare a room for you!" I said, clapping lightly.
He nodded.
"Thank you, ma'am," he signed calmly.
I faked a smile and watched him leave.
He promised to return later tomorrow with his things.
Just like that, Ziyu gained a father. But...
Did I also just gain a husband?
No way!
He's only going to act like her father. That's what the contract said. Nothing more. He was just an employee, hired to fill a role.
"Miss, why did that man return?" Hu Jiannan appeared, stepping inside. I frowned and walked past him, but he followed me upstairs.
"Miss?"
"Why are you asking? Going to report to my father?" I snapped, glaring at him.
He stared at me, shaking his head.
"I wouldn't do that, Miss. I've been watching you for the past five years in the Tang Manor but I've never reported any of your movements to your father,"
That's what he claims. But I could never trust him.
Never!
"Take Ziyu to her room. Carefully. I'll be working upstairs, so don't disturb me unless it's about my daughter,"
"But..."
"Do you understand, Hu Jiannan?" I said firmly.
"Yes, Miss," he replied.
I turned away and hurried to my room, slamming the door shut.
'Fuck! I hate this!'
I muttered to myself, walking to the desk where the documents sat. I still had to study them carefully so as not to make any mistakes.
Yawning, I stretched and sank into the couch. I reached into my dress and pulled out a necklace, staring at the ring that hung from its chain.
While I was here, maybe, just maybe, I could find that man.
Ziyu's real father!
Five years ago, before Father dragged me to Country A, I'd been drugged by my best friend and led to a different room. That was where I met him.
We made a terrible, passionate mistake.
When I woke up, he was gone, but the ring was left behind. I never knew if he forgot it or left it for me on purpose. Either way, I kept it.
But when I returned home, I found my so-called best friend in bed with my fiancé.
His excuse? He thought she was me.
Worse, my best friend exposed that I'd slept with another man.
That day, my father appeared and insisted I come with him to Country A. I didn't want to, but I had no choice. I couldn't bear to see the faces of my fiancé... no, ex-fiance or the bitch who claimed to be my best friend.
I leaned back on the couch with a sigh.
'During my one-year stay here, I'd better not run into any of them,'
I wished silently.
But that wish came too late...