Chapter 3: Embrace

Elaine knocked on the door three times before slowly opening it.

For the first time in three years, she was seeing her father up close again.

Keir didn't even look up.

His eyes remained fixed on the computer screen as he continued working, completely unaware that the woman standing in front of him was Elaine.

Elaine quietly placed the cup of coffee on Keir's desk.

He didn't say a word.

He didn't even look at her.

His attention remained on the documents displayed on his computer screen, as if she wasn't even there.

"Sir, I'll be leaving now," Elaine said politely.

She thought he would ignore her, just as he had done moments ago.

"Elaine... what are you doing here?" Keir asked, his voice filled with shock as he finally looked up from his desk. His eyes widened the moment he recognized her.

So she was caught off guard when he suddenly spoke.

"I'm your new secretary, Dad!" Elaine replied with a bright smile, deliberately emphasizing the word "Dad."

"What? Are you kidding me?" Keir asked, frowning deeply as he stared at her in disbelief.

"Why? Don't you think I'm not qualified?" Elaine asked, a hint of hurt creeping into her voice.

The moment Keir saw the hurt in Elaine's eyes, the stern expression on his face softened.

"No... that's not what I meant, Elaine," he said gently.

"Then what is it, Dad?" Elaine asked, unable to hide the frustration in her voice.

"You don't want to see me anymore?" she continued, her eyes beginning to fill with tears. "Is that why you haven't come home... for three whole years?"

Her voice trembled with pain as she waited for his answer.

Elaine could no longer hold back her emotions.

Keir immediately rushed over to Elaine and gently pulled her into a reassuring embrace.

"Shh... I'm sorry. Please don't cry," he said softly, trying to comfort her as she struggled to hold back her tears.

It was the first time in three years that Keir had hugged Elaine.

As he held her, he felt a sense of relief and peace that he hadn't experienced in a long time. For the first time in years, the burden on his heart seemed a little lighter.

Elaine closed her eyes for a moment.

She had missed this embrace more than she had realized.

For the first time in three years, she felt safe again, and the warmth of his hug reminded her of the happy days they had once shared.

After a few moments, Elaine finally calmed down.

She gently stepped back and wiped away the remaining tears from her face.

No matter how much it hurt, she had to keep pretending.

Keir couldn't find out that she already knew the truth—that she wasn't a Hasford.

"Please... don't avoid me anymore," Elaine pleaded softly.

She deliberately left out the word "Dad."

After learning the truth, saying it no longer came as naturally as it once had. She wasn't ready to explain why, so she simply hoped Keir wouldn't notice the change.

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