My Daughter, My Strength

I gripped the contract papers I had just collected from the print shop, my fingertips turning white. The office door was ajar, faint sounds spilling out. I didn't think twice and gently pushed the door open. The scene before me hit like a bucket of ice water, soaking me from head to toe. Cedric Goth sat behind the desk, his legs crossed. His assistant, Juliette, was bent over the desk's edge, her fingertips entangled in his tie. Their closeness was glaringly obvious; they hadn't noticed the sound I made entering. I stood frozen as the papers slipped from my hands, scattering to the floor with a crisp rustle. They finally turned around, their expressions starkly different. Juliette hurriedly stood up, her cheeks flushing red, her gaze evasive. Cedric Goth, however, remained unnervingly calm, even leisurely adjusting his tie. "Genevieve, what are you doing here?" He stood up, his tone as flat as if he were talking about the weather. I didn't say a word, only stared at him intently. The love and trust of those years shattered utterly in that instant. He stepped forward, reaching out to touch my shoulder. I instinctively took a step back, avoiding his touch. Cedric's hand froze mid-air, a flash of surprise in his eyes quickly replaced by impatience. "Don't be upset. Juliette and I were just momentarily confused." He tried to soothe me, his tone indifferent. "Momentarily confused?" I finally spoke, my voice hoarse and cracked. Cedric Goth frowned, his tone softening slightly: "It was my fault. I won't do it again. You should go home; don't let this affect you here." I looked at his hypocritical face and felt only a chill in my heart. I bent down to pick up the documents on the floor, turned, and walked away without hesitation, not even feeling the slightest urge to look back at him. Stepping out of the office building, the cold wind hit my face. Leaning against the wall, I finally couldn't hold back the tears in my eyes. I took out my phone and dialed my brother Adonis Patterson's number. The moment the call connected, all my strength shattered. "Adonis," I sniffled, my voice trembling with emotion, "I want a divorce." Adonis was silent on the other end for a few seconds, then his calm voice came through: "What's wrong? Did Cedric mistreat you?" I briefly recounted what had happened in the office, my tone unnervingly calm and unlike myself. "That b*stard!" Adonis's voice immediately rose, burning with rage, "Genevieve, don't panic, I'm coming to get you right now." "No need, Adonis." I wiped away my tears, my gaze steadily growing firm. "I've made up my mind to leave him for good and take Linda with me." Linda is the daughter of Cedric Goth and me; she is five years old this year. No matter what, I must protect my daughter. Adonis Patterson was silent for a moment before his tone softened: "Alright, I support you. If you need help, just let me know anytime. You don't have to worry about money or a place." "Thank you, Adonis." I whispered my thanks. After hanging up, I took a deep breath, stifling the bitterness rising within me. Now is not the time to drown in sorrow; I need to make arrangements for Linda. I returned home; Cedric Goth had not come back yet.