Dear Billionaire, I'm Not Your Wife Anymore! - Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Once, when I complained tearfully, Braden promised to guarantee my need for intimacy four times a month, even setting specific dates.
The 1st, 8th, 16th, and 26th of each month—whenever he was home, he had to fulfill his marital duties.
"I'm tired today. Let's do it another time," I said flatly to Braden's retreating figure as he went downstairs. He didn't turn around or respond.
When Mary brought Mia into the room after her bath, all clean and sweet-smelling, I was sitting on the bedside holding her favorite comic picture book.
"Mia, come here. Mommy will tell you a story." I smiled at her, using the gentlest voice I could muster.
But she looked up—not at me, but at Mary: "Auntie, I want my little dinosaur."
"Okay, I'll get it right away." Mary agreed and went out.
I waited patiently for her to come over. Mia hugged her little dinosaur and slowly moved next to me. The plushie was a birthday gift from their overseas trip when she turned four—from Linda.
Since then, it had become her must-have bedtime companion, her "Abby."
The lamplight fell on her soft hair. She still carried the scent of shampoo, her small body sweet and soft like a kitten.
I couldn't help but lean down and kiss her gently, like I used to.
But she suddenly pushed me away: "Don't want Mommy's kiss."
My heart constricted painfully.
"Mia..." I couldn't help calling her name.
She puffed out her cheeks, her voice carrying a child's particular willfulness and grievance: "You never stay with me, never buy me good food, and don't like me. Hmph, I don't want to like you anymore either."
I could barely breathe, as if my entire heart was being peeled away by her words.
I reached out to touch her little face, to comfort her, but she stepped back, then suddenly burst into tears: "Daddy! I want Daddy! I want Daddy to sleep with me—"
Panic rose in my heart. Seconds later, the door opened.
Braden's figure entered. He extended his long arms, and Mia immediately threw herself into them. He held her while softly coaxing: "Baby, what's wrong?"
"I want to sleep with Daddy. I don't want to sleep with Mommy." Mia nuzzled into his embrace, acting spoiled like a little animal.
Braden ruffled her hair, his voice low and gentle with laughter: "Then Daddy will sleep with both of you, okay?"
She nodded joyfully.
I moved aside to make room for them. Only then did Mia contentedly lie back down under the covers. Braden lay down on the other side, extending his arms so she could snuggle against him.
His arms were long enough that with a slight stretch, he touched my shoulder. I instinctively shrank toward the edge of the bed, creating distance.
Mia nestled in his embrace, making a few satisfied murmurs, and soon closed her eyes.
I also closed my eyes, silently waiting for him to leave.
About twenty minutes later, Mia was fast asleep. He gently withdrew his arm, tucked her in, and leaned down to kiss her forehead.
I knew he was used to giving me a kiss too, out of habit.
I turned over, facing away from him.
After his footsteps faded away, I slowly turned back and gently drew my daughter into my arms.
Her little hand groped over and touched my face, just like when she was small—soft and seeking familiar comfort. Her little face pressed against mine, her breathing fine and warm.
I pressed my forehead against hers.
This was the child I had exchanged my life for, the lifeline of my heart.
In this marriage, if I could only take one thing with me—I only wanted her.
Linda wanted the position of Mrs. Kingsley? I could grant her that.
But if she dared to try to take my daughter away—that would be absolutely impossible.
The next morning, I put on exquisite makeup, got dressed, and sat by the bedside with her favorite little dress.
When Mia opened her eyes and saw me first thing, she seemed a bit unaccustomed to it, turning to lie face down and curling up like a little cat.
I coaxed her gently: "Mia, would you like to wear this pretty little dress?"