Marriage with my daughter's father: Darling please be gentle - Chapter 118

Chapter 118: Chapter 118: There is no need to lie
The ward fell into a deafening silence as a video played on the screen. It showed Winter handing an envelope to Kingstone, and the people around her claimed it was the bribe she had given to fabricate the entire ordeal.

A random news portal had spun a damning narrative—accusing Winter of paying Kingstone to use cheap materials, which ultimately led to the building’s collapse. The video attached to the report only added fuel to the already infuriated public.

The family of one of the severely injured workers demanded answers from Kalix. Worse, someone had alerted the media, and a crowd had gathered outside the hospital, demanding justice. The commotion escalated as furious voices echoed through the halls, broadcast live from the scene.

“We want that woman behind bars!” one of the victim’s family members shouted on the television screen.

The media had begun digging into Winter’s connection to Kalix, questioning why he was so determined to protect her.

“How far has the search reached?” Kalix asked in a deep, controlled voice, his eyes locked onto Sean.

“Our men are trying to locate Kingstone, but he’s nowhere to be found,” Sean responded, his frustration evident.

Even before Kalix could issue orders, Sean had already taken steps to suppress the scandal, but the public’s outrage refused to die down.

“As for the news,” Sean continued, “I suggest you release a statement.”

Kalix understood the severity of the situation and considered Sean’s advice. But before he could respond, Winter spoke, her voice cutting through the tension.

“There’s no need to lie.”

Both Kalix and Sean turned to her, their gazes sharp.

Winter had thought it through. There was only one way to end this—she had to turn herself in.

She hated how people were questioning Kalix’s integrity, how standing by her side was making things worse for him. If surrendering to the authorities was the only way to calm the chaos, then so be it.

“Let the cops take me,” she said, meeting Kalix’s eyes with unwavering resolve.

His jaw clenched in fury. In the next instant, he climbed out of bed and stood before her, towering over her with an intensity that made the air thick with tension.

“That’s not going to happen,” he said, his voice dangerously low. “I will handle this my way, and you… are not going anywhere.”

Winter let out a frustrated groan. “You’re not understanding, Kalix. Someone is trying to frame you, and I won’t let that happen.”

Kalix watched as she lost her composure, her frustration spilling over. In the next second, he pulled her into his embrace, his arm circling her protectively.

“I know,” he murmured, his voice steady yet firm. “That’s why I need to protect you. Because it’s not just me—they’re framing you too.” His lips brushed against her forehead, a silent promise woven into the touch.

This wasn’t a coincidence. Someone had been planning this for a long time, and Kalix couldn’t shake the nagging thought at the back of his mind…

“Sean,” he said, his tone cold and decisive. “I want you to keep an eye on Dianna. Track her movements—every person she meets, both in and out of work. Keep me updated.”

Dianna was at the top of his suspect list. No matter how much she insisted she had nothing to do with what happened between Winter and Kingstone, something about her denial didn’t sit right.

And Kalix never ignored his instincts.

“Yes, boss.” With that, Sean excused himself, leaving the couple alone.

Winter slowly pulled back, her eyes glossy with unshed tears. She had barely made it through Kalix’s life-threatening situation, only to find herself entangled in another scandal.

Yet, through everything, one thought lingered in her mind—Kalix still doubted Dianna.

“Why do you suspect Dianna?” she asked, her voice quiet but firm. “She’s not someone who would ever harm you.”

Kalix exhaled slowly, his expression unreadable.

“I want to believe that,” he admitted, his tone carrying a weight Winter couldn’t ignore. “But I can’t risk it. Not when too much is at stake.” His gaze darkened. “She may fool others with her fondness toward me, but I know better. She’s just as cunning as her sister.”

No matter how much people overlooked Dianna’s true nature, Kalix refused to. He had learned the hard way—trust could be a dangerous thing.

But Kalix’s words stirred something deep within Winter. A memory resurfaced—Dianna had been the one to take her to meet Kingstone. And from that moment on, everything had felt… off.

She had no idea how Kalix planned to handle the public outrage, but one thing was certain—they needed to be careful with every move they made.

***

Inside his office, Eric sat watching the news, his gaze fixed on the screen as reporters linked Winter’s name to Kalix. There was something unsettling about how fiercely Kalix Andreas was protecting her.

“Could it be him?” he muttered under his breath, the thought creeping into his mind. But just as quickly, he dismissed it.

“Of course, he’s protecting her. She’s an employee at J&K International. Their reputation is at stake. He wouldn’t risk making things worse than they already are,” he reasoned.

Suddenly, his phone rang. His eyes darkened at the name flashing on the screen. With a disinterested sigh, he answered.

“Have you seen the news?” the voice on the other end asked.

Eric frowned, his grip on the phone tightening. He hummed in acknowledgment, waiting.

“That woman of yours is going behind bars, no matter how much Kalix Andreas tries to save her.”

Eric’s brows furrowed in confusion. He hesitated before asking, “Did you—”

“Oh, come on,” his father cut him off, his tone laced with irritation. “I have no time to waste on her when we have far bigger things to accomplish. But it’s time for you to let go of her. She’s not going to make it.”

The warning was clear.

Eric felt the pressure closing in on him from all sides. His father and David both wanted him to marry Agnes and bury this scandal. They each had their own motives, their own agendas, but no one cared about what he wanted.

Back then, he thought letting go of Winter would be easy. She was supposed to be nothing more than a pawn, a temporary plaything on his path to greater things.

But somehow, that infuriatingly stubborn woman had made him fall for her.

And now, he wasn’t sure he could ever let her go.

Eric found himself caught between two forces—his love for Winter and his thirst for revenge. Yet, despite everything, the softer side of him weighed heavier than his need for vengeance.

He had started entertaining conversations with Agnes, but deep down, he knew the truth—he wasn’t ready to marry her.

“This is the perfect time to clean up your image, Eric,” his father’s voice rang through the phone, cold and calculated. “Marry Agnes and release a statement pinning the entire blame on Winter. Make it clear that she was the reason you left her.”

Eric’s expression darkened, his grip tightening around the phone.

“And do it as soon as possible,” his father added, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Then the line went dead, leaving Eric alone with the suffocating weight of his choices.

His gaze flickered to the television screen, where the news continued to play. The words echoed in his mind, fueling the suspicion that refused to leave him.

Without hesitation, he grabbed his phone and dialed his informer.

“Look into the Hillstone accident,” he ordered. “I need to know if the reports are true or if someone is fabricating this to frame Winter.”

A deep sense of unease settled over him, but he clenched his jaw, his resolve hardening.

“I know something isn’t right,” he muttered, his voice laced with determination. “And I will uncover the truth—no matter what.”

***

Kalix had taken an early discharge from the hospital, ensuring they left without any disturbance outside. He knew the situation was still volatile, but he wouldn’t let Winter or Seren face the chaos.

As soon as they arrived home, the sound of hurried footsteps filled the air.

“Daddy!” Seren came running toward him, throwing her small arms around his waist. Her tiny frame trembled as she clung to him. “What happened to you?” she asked, her voice breaking into a soft cry.

Her wide eyes darted to the bandage wrapped around his shoulder and the exhaustion still evident on his face.

Last night, when neither Winter nor Kalix returned home, Seren had been relentless, pestering James to call them. Despite his attempts to pacify her, she had taken matters into her own hands, calling Winter herself.

The moment she heard her father was hurt, she broke down in sobs. But Winter, ever so gentle, had reassured her, urging her to be strong and wait for them.

Now, Kalix knelt to her level, wrapping his good arm around her.

“Daddy’s alright, Star,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her hair.

Seren sniffled, her red nose scrunching up. “I was scared, Daddy, but Mommy said I shouldn’t worry. She said I have to be strong so I can take care of you.”

Kalix glanced up at Winter, their eyes meeting in an unspoken exchange. A wave of pride washed over him—his daughter was resilient, just like her mother.

But behind Winter’s calm exterior, he could see it—the lingering fear that still gripped her.

And he hated that there was nothing he could do to erase it.

After spending some time with Seren, the couple retreated to Kalix’s room.

“I need to clean myself,” Kalix muttered, rolling his shoulders uncomfortably.

The lingering scent of antiseptic and medicine clung to him, making him scrunch his nose in disgust. He hated feeling this way—dirty, restricted.

“You can’t,” Winter interjected, her voice firm yet gentle. “The wounds are still fresh. A shower isn’t an option, but sponging will help get rid of the smell.”

Kalix sighed but nodded, reluctantly agreeing. He trusted her judgment.

“Fine,” he murmured, watching as she moved to gather what she needed.

A small smirk played at the corner of his lips. There was something oddly intimate about this—Winter tending to him, taking care of him.

And for the first time in a long while, he didn’t mind being taken care of.