Chapter 4

Just as I was about to hang up, I heard her change the subject. "I'm taking John to TK Plaza for swimming lessons today. You could come see him."

"No need."

Without waiting for her response, I hung up decisively.

Putting down my phone, I continued making food for Martinez.

Life continued peacefully this way.

Until that day when I came out of the broadcast room and received a call from an unknown number.

It was John's kindergarten head teacher.

She said today was parent-child art day, requiring parents and children to participate together. All the parents had arrived except John's.

The teacher warmly invited me to come. I interrupted her: "Sorry teacher, I've already divorced John's mother. Custody was awarded to his mom. I won't be handling these matters anymore."

The teacher sounded embarrassed. I continued, "Is John next to you?"

Getting an affirmative answer, I asked her to put it on speakerphone.

In front of the whole class of students and parents, I spoke coolly:

"John, you also confirmed last time that your mom and I are divorced. I'm no longer your father. I won't be handling your affairs anymore. Don't call me again from now on."

After finishing, I apologized to the teacher and hung up.

After work, I picked up Martinez from kindergarten. We went for hot pot, and the table next to us was actually celebrating a birthday.

I suddenly thought of Martinez's birthday. Checking the calendar, it was this Sunday.

On Sunday, I pushed back all my work in advance, planning to properly spend time with Martinez. He surely hadn't celebrated a birthday all these years.

After ordering, I told him to wait at the table while I got the cake.

Carrying the cake toward the restaurant, I unexpectedly ran into Laura.

Ivan stood beside her.

Ivan spoke first: "Weren't you making a fuss about divorcing Laura?"

I ignored him and walked past them toward the interior, but Laura grabbed me.

Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Weren't you so tough? I knew you couldn't last a few days. Now here you are crawling back with a cake for your son's birthday. Aren't you embarrassed?"

I was speechless. "Let go. Who said I'm celebrating his birthday?"

Laura stiffened. "If not for your son, then for who?"

I didn't want to argue with her anymore. "I'm done talking. Move aside. You three have a nice family celebration."

Laura's face darkened. "Mark, enough. Don't wait until I really get angry."

I pushed past her directly and entered the restaurant.

Martinez saw me and waved with a smile. I waved back at him too.

John sat at the table next to Martinez's. He looked at me with disgust, clearly mistaking my wave as directed at him.

I ignored him and sat down next to Martinez.

When Laura and the others came in, they looked shocked to see me with Martinez.

"Mark, who is he?"

"None of your business."

Laura was furious but restrained herself in public.

Martinez and I enjoyed our meal wholeheartedly.

Near the end, Martinez wanted to use the restroom. He said he didn't need me to accompany him, so I let him go.

I saw John also heading toward the restroom.

Probably just going to the bathroom—I didn't think much of it.

But soon after, a server shouted: "Quick, whose parents are these? Two kids are fighting here!"

I jumped up and ran toward the restroom.

John and Martinez were lying on the floor, both injured.

Seeing me, John finally couldn't hold back tears, his eyes red as he said pitifully, "Dad, it hurts."

Under his helpless, pitiful gaze, I unhesitatingly crouched down and picked up Martinez.