Chapter 10: I'm Not Your Daddy

Words : 1776 Updated : Mar 27th, 2025

Jimmy couldn't resist pinching her chubby cheeks and gently patting the little girl's head. He said seriously, "I'm not your daddy. Where are your folks?" He glanced around but didn't see any adults nearby. With the teachers' dormitory nearby, he figured she was probably a teacher's kid who mistook him for someone else. The little girl insisted earnestly, "You're my dad. You look just like him." Because of her limited understanding, it seemed like she really did mix him up with her dad. Right then, Celeste came running down from one of the dorm buildings. Seeing Jimmy, she approached him and said, "Jimmy, didn't you say you weren't coming in?" "It's all good. There weren't many people around. I just took a quick stroll." "Who's this adorable little girl?" Celeste asked, squatting down to pat the girl's head. The little girl seemed a bit shy and ducked behind Jimmy. "Jimmy, whose child is this?" Celeste inquired. Jimmy was just as puzzled, shaking his head. "I don't know. She called me dad as soon as I got here." "You're my dad," the little girl said, her lips pursed with determination. Jimmy gave a wry chuckle, crouched down, and gently patted her head. "Alright, go find your folks. I gotta go." He turned to leave, reluctant to linger and risk bumping into familiar teachers. But the little girl wouldn't let go, her eyes welling up with tears. "Daddy, please don't leave me," she pleaded, sounding pitiful. Jimmy hesitated, crouched again, and softly said, "I'm not your dad. You should hurry back to your folks." With that, he turned to leave, but the girl's tiny hand clung tightly to his pants. As Jimmy lifted his foot to leave, the little girl finally released her tender grip, watching wistfully as he walked out of the school gate. "Sophie, I thank you on the school's behalf." Two figures emerged from the dormitory building—one was Sophie, and the other was a woman nearing fifty, wearing thick glasses. "Ms. Casson, it's nothing. The school raised me, so giving back is the least I can do," replied Sophie, dressed in a sharp suit under a down jacket, still radiating charm. Lia Casson, Sophie's former homeroom teacher and Jimmy's math teacher, had been discussing plans with Sophie for her donation to build a new teaching building. Their conversation was almost wrapped up. Just then, the little girl saw Sophie and ran over, crying, "Mommy... Daddy doesn't want me!" Sophie's heart ached. Lately, her kid had been constantly asking for her dad, which was really stressing her out. Thinking it was another instance of longing, she quickly picked up the girl, wiped her tears, and said softly, "Don't cry, Lyra. How could he not want such an adorable girl like you?" The little girl sobbed. "I just saw Daddy, and he didn't want me." Her sorrow intensified with the memory. "Lyra, don't say that. Daddy went far, far away. How could you have seen him?" Sophie's heart twisted with pain as she thought of the man she both loved and resented, her daughter's cries deepening her bitterness. Lia knew that Sophie's kid was fathered by her most brilliant student. The scandal and criticism Sophie faced for it were fresh in Lia's mind. She sighed deeply, recalling the once-promising student who had been the school's and its teachers' pride. He had been a bright comet, only to fall rapidly into darkness. When Jimmy was imprisoned, many believed he was innocent. Teachers attended the trial, but the evidence was overwhelming, proving that the once exemplary student had strayed from his path. Lia sighed with regret, forcing a smile as she turned to Sophie. "Sophie, everything's nearly settled. You comfort your child, and I'll discuss it with the principal." "Thank you, Ms. Casson. Take care," Sophie replied as Lia nodded and headed toward the office. Sophie lifted the little girl, whispering, "Don't cry, Lyra. Mommy will take you for a treat!" "Mommy, I wasn't lying. I saw Daddy just now," the girl insisted stubbornly. Sophie smiled wryly. She had searched for him for years without a trace; how could he be here? Due to Lyra's longing, it was likely a case of mistaken identity. But to console her daughter, she feigned seriousness. "I believe you, Lyra. Daddy will be home soon, so don't cry." The simple-hearted child was comforted, asking softly, "Really?" "Yes, did I ever lie to you?" Sophie smiled gently. "But before Daddy returns, you need to grow up a bit. Then Daddy will love you even more." "Okay, I'll eat lots and lots, and Daddy will love me," the little girl agreed. "Good, let's go eat!" Sophie said, lifting the girl as they headed to the BMW parked on the field. The car turned and drove out of the school. Meanwhile, a few people strolling on the school grounds noticed Sophie, and one pointed at the disappearing car. "That woman is something else." "Who is she?" Someone eager to show off their knowledge said, "She's the eldest daughter of the Lowell family in Larkhaven and the CEO of Dreams Company. Her name is Sophie Lowell." "Oh, it's her! We use their company's cosmetics," a few girls exclaimed excitedly. "Who would've thought she's our alumna? We should have said hello and gotten acquainted," they lamented. "Did you know? The school is fundraising this year, and many alumni are contributing generously. Sophie has already committed eight million dollars, topping the list." They gasped at the sum, impressed by her generosity. "It's said that after the New Year, the school will hold a formal donation ceremony to celebrate these outstanding alumni's contributions." "People like her will be the shining stars of the entire school," they chatted. Jimmy had long left the school, uninterested in such matters. He accompanied Celeste to Larkhaven's largest mall to buy New Year's goods.

Chapter 10: I'm Not Your Daddy

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