I Set You Free

Chapter 4

As we entered the orphanage, I sat back in the wheelchair, playing my part.

A little girl suddenly ran up and grabbed Lily's legs, calling her "Mommy" repeatedly.

Lily's face stiffened, and before I could say anything, she quickly tried to cover it up.

"Don't get the wrong idea," she said hurriedly. "This orphanage is one I sponsor. I've been here a few times before. This little one's an orphan, and she's always called me that."

I just smiled, reaching out to gently stroke the child's cheek.

"She looks so much like you. Honestly, if you hadn't said anything, I would've thought she was your daughter."

"What's her name?"

"Emma. She's the one I was planning to adopt."

Before Lily could go any further, Emma started crying and calling for her daddy.

Lily's face instantly paled, her brows furrowed with worry.

"I'm fine," I said, my voice calm. "Go ahead and comfort her. She's a beautiful child. I like her too."

That seemed to put Lily at ease, and she quickly took Emma into the office.

I used the chance to excuse myself, saying I needed to use the bathroom. But from the hallway, I could overhear the staff gossiping.

"Why's Ms. Parker pretending this kid's an orphan? Look at her outfit, it's all luxury brands, way more expensive than anything I could afford. Who would buy that story?"

"You don't get it. Ms. Parker's got it all figured out. This is the only way to bring that kid into the Parker family without raising any eyebrows. Just be careful when you're around Mr. Carter. Don't let anything slip."

"Yeah, but the real catch is still Mr. Carter. You know, back in college, they were always volunteering here together. I could tell there was something going on even then! Never thought it'd go this far… A man and a woman living together, who knows what's really happening now…"

The suggestive laughter reached me, and my chest tightened.

I quietly wheeled myself closer to the door, and I could hear their voices inside.

"How's she treating you?"

"Pretty well. She's just always traveling, so she can't handle everything. But it's actually a good thing. She'll never find out about Emma, and she's talking about having a baby with me."

Lily smiled, but her eyes were cold, calculating.

"Once Emma's in the Parker house, you won't have to worry about anything. Just message me if you need anything taken care of."

Ryan smirked, pulling out a small gift box.

"I just bought this watch. Think of it as a wedding gift for you."

Lily raised an eyebrow but accepted the gift with a smile.

"Why do you keep spoiling me with all these gifts? You've already given me so many this year, my closet's overflowing. Jack's gonna flip if he ever finds out."

Even as she said it, Ryan continued handing her the gift with that same smirk on his face. No hesitation, no guilt.

Emma's laughter filled the room as she jumped into Ryan's arms, calling him "Daddy" over and over again.

The director, anxious to finalize the paperwork, hurriedly pushed open the door in front of me.

A flicker of panic flashed across Lily's face.

"Jack, what are you doing here?" she asked, trying to mask her surprise.

I smiled, keeping my tone casual. "Don't overthink it. Ryan's a volunteer here. He's just here today to discuss Emma's adoption with me…"

Ryan stood up, holding Emma in his arms, and waved at me casually.

"Jack, long time no see."

I sat in the wheelchair, forcing a smile despite the ache that twisted in my chest.

"It's nothing, just looking around. Since you're busy, I'll wait in the car."

I turned and left without waiting for her to respond.

Lily, thinking I was upset, followed quickly behind me, trying to explain.

"Don't misunderstand. Ryan comes here often to volunteer. All the kids call him 'Daddy.' Once the adoption paperwork's done, I'll explain everything to Emma."

I paused, turning back to face her. Her anxiety was almost comical.

She'd been willing to tear my life apart to bring that child home. Now that she'd won, why was she acting so concerned about my feelings?

"Don't worry. I'm not unreasonable. Go ahead and take care of the paperwork. I'll wait in the car like a good husband."

Her relief was palpable as she watched me head to the car, her steps slowing as she returned inside.

I sat there, ignoring the curious glances of the staff who passed by. They were clearly enjoying the drama unfolding.

I didn't care. I pulled out my phone, taking care of my business, cancelling my identification documents online.

Later that evening, the Parker family hosted a dinner to celebrate Lily bringing Emma home.

I used my health as an excuse to retire upstairs, but the sounds of mocking laughter from below slipped through the door cracks.

I rolled my chair to the top of the stairs, glancing down at the family gathering.

Lily was fussing over Emma, carefully placing her favorite dishes on a special plate while Ryan teased her about spoiling the child.

Lily didn't care. She smiled, brushing Emma's little crown with a loving touch.

"My daughter will be amazing, no matter what."

That was the last straw.

The anger I'd been holding back for so long surged to the surface.

I stormed back to the room, my hands shaking with rage as I started throwing away everything Lily had ever given me, everything that symbolized the lie of our marriage.

As the final gift fell into the trash, I heard the door creak behind me.