Marriage with my daughter's father: Darling please be gentle - Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Chapter 8: Mommy, who did that to you?
The horseback ride had come to an abrupt end, leaving Winter and Seren seated on the couch while Kalix occupied the chair across from them.

The tension between them thickened as they locked eyes. Winter was the first to look away, ceding ground in their silent battle.

“Mr. Kalix Andreas, you cannot come to my house without my permission,” she stated firmly.

Seren, however, had other plans. She quickly shook her head, her curls bouncing. “Daddy didn’t come on his own. I called him.”

Winter turned to her daughter, eyes widening. Seren grinned cheekily, flashing her crooked teeth.

If this little snowball hadn’t been so adorable, Winter might have scolded her. But as always, Seren played her sweet card too well.

“You—you called him?” Winter’s voice faltered as she turned back to Kalix, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment.

Kalix leisurely crossed one leg over the other, arms resting on the chair. His dark eyes gleamed with amusement, and then—

Wink~

Winter gaped at his audacity.

“And how did you call me, Star?” Kalix asked smoothly. “Tell your mommy.”

Winter already felt herself losing ground to him.

Seren, eager to comply, retrieved a card from her pocket and held it out. “Lolo gave me this, and I just asked room service to call.”

Winter stiffened, her fingers clenching into a fist. The realization that she was being outmaneuvered—by both father and daughter—hit hard.

‘Someone help me…’

Kalix had been contemplating how to approach Winter, but when Sean informed him of Seren’s call, he’d wasted no time. Now, here he was, watching as Winter’s grip on control slowly unraveled.

Taking a sharp breath, Winter abruptly stood. “Get out.”

Seren and Kalix both blinked at her outburst.

“Come again?” Kalix arched a brow.

“I said, get out.”

Instead of obeying, Kalix chuckled, the deep sound reverberating through the room. Rising to his full six-foot-four height, he loomed over her, making her feel like a cornered rabbit.

“Never.”

Winter’s body tensed, but before she could retort, Kalix’s fingers gently cupped her chin, tilting her face up. His touch was surprisingly warm, and for a moment, her breath hitched.

“What happened to your face?” he murmured.

Winter’s eyes widened. His face was too close, his scrutiny too intense. A strange warmth seeped into her chest, catching her off guard.

“Did someone slap you?” Kalix’s voice dropped, sharp with restrained fury.

Seren scrambled onto the couch, her small hands clenching into fists. “Mommy, who did that to you?”

Winter glanced between them, shocked at how alike they looked in that moment—father and daughter, both radiating an unspoken promise of retribution.

Her eyes burned, but before she could answer, a knock at the door interrupted them.

Kalix turned, his expression darkening as he took in Sean’s grave face.

“Boss.” Sean handed him something, and Kalix’s entire demeanor shifted, becoming ice-cold.

Seren tugged at Winter’s hand, drawing her back to the present. “Mommy, let me put some ice on your cheek.”

Winter blinked down at her daughter, astonished to find Seren already holding an ice pack. The way she gazed at her with regret melted any lingering frustration.

Silently, Winter allowed Seren to lead her back to the couch. Once seated, she lifted Seren onto her lap, watching as her daughter carefully pressed the cold pack against her cheek. Her small hands trembled slightly in concentration.

Winter hadn’t even realized that David’s slap had left a visible mark, but now it seemed impossible to ignore.

“You know what to do,” Kalix murmured to Sean, who nodded and swiftly departed.

Turning back, Kalix paused, his gaze softening at the sight before him. But jealousy flickered beneath the surface. He wanted to be the one tending to Winter.

Brushing the thought aside, he sat beside her. “Star, can you bring me the first-aid kit?”

Seren nodded, handing the ice pack to Kalix before hopping down and disappearing into another room.

Winter exhaled, her voice laced with warning. “You should reconsider coming here next time.”

Kalix ignored her, gently taking the ice pack from her and tilting her chin once more, forcing her to meet his gaze.

“Do you want to know how yours and Star’s photos were leaked?”

Winter stiffened. She hadn’t expected him to know about that. But then his next words sent an icy chill through her veins.

“Your sister. She hired someone to do it.”

Winter’s fingers curled into her lap. She had suspected foul play, but hearing it confirmed made her blood boil.

“That little bitch,” she muttered under her breath.

Kalix smirked at her reaction but spoke calmly. “Don’t worry. I’ve already taken down the article. But I’ll let you handle the person who dared to expose my precious ones.”

Winter’s breath hitched.

“Daddy, your first-aid kit.” Seren returned, proudly holding out the box.

Kalix released Winter’s chin and took it from her. “Good girl.” He ruffled her curls before retrieving an ointment.

“Look left,” he ordered gently.

Winter hesitated but complied, allowing him to apply the cool balm to her cheek. His touch was unexpectedly tender, making her heart thump erratically.

“I know you’re capable of handling everything,” Kalix murmured. “But give me a chance to protect you.”

Winter’s breath caught as his eyes bore into hers, sincerity gleaming in them.

“Marry me.”

Her heart lurched.

Kalix’s gaze never wavered. He had lost his chance once, but he wouldn’t let that happen again.

Winter’s lips parted slightly, her gaze flickering to his lips. The pull between them was undeniable. But before she could react, the sharp ring of a phone shattered the moment.

Winter jolted, fishing the device from her pocket. Her pulse pounded as she saw the caller ID.

“Yes, Hayes, have you found anyone?”

“No, Miss, but something happened at the hospital. I request that you come as soon as possible.”

Winter’s blood ran cold. Her grandfather.

She shot to her feet. “I’m on my way.”