Replacing My Daughter's Daddy

I was feeding my seven-year-old daughter, Lucy Langer, when Robert Langer crashed through the front door, reeking of alcohol.

His shirt collar hung askew, and red marks blazed across his neck.

"Audrey," he said hoarsely, "someone spiked my drink at the charity gala. But don't worry. I've already had my lawyer handle it."

I nodded. After so many years of marriage, I knew he only had eyes for me and our daughter. He never strayed.

Or so I believed… until eight months later.

While Robert was away on a business trip, his cruise ship caught fire. The news dominated every channel.

Clutching a sobbing Lucy, I rushed to the hospital, only to find him swathed in bandages, standing outside the maternity ward.

"Becca is pregnant," he murmured. "It was that night at the gala… I didn't think it would happen from just once…"

He gulped.

"When the fire spread, she saved me. But she… got trapped herself."

A newborn's wail pierced the corridor as the delivery room doors opened. Becca White was wheeled out, looking pale and exhausted.

She clutched my sleeve and pleaded desperately, "Audrey… my babies can't grow up without a father…"

Robert Langer turned to me. I could see the conflict in his eyes. "Lucy needs her mother… but Becca's babies…"

I tightened my hold on my trembling daughter and cut him off with a cold laugh.

"Robert, either you make them disappear for good, or I'll take Lucy and leave."

His eyes burned red as he pinned me against the wall. "I can't lose either of you!"

Then came the celebration for the twins’ birth.

The Langer family estate blazed with lights and celebration.

Lucy clung to the back of my skirt, peeking timidly at the newborn twins.

I slipped off my wedding ring and pressed it into her palm. "Sweetheart, we're going to meet your new daddy."

When I made the call, Andrew Thompson's deep voice came through the line. "Audrey, I'm so happy you've finally decided to call."

Inside the Langer family villa, the atmosphere brimmed with joy. Laughter and toasts echoed through the banquet hall.

"Congratulations, congratulations! The Langer family finally has heirs—twins, no less."

Robert cradled the two infants, his face glowing as he handed out gifts to the guests.

Beside him, Becca leaned weakly against his shoulder, gracefully accepting the guests' congratulations to "Mrs. Langer."

I stood at the entrance holding Lucy's hand.

She shrank behind me, her timid gaze fixed on the lively scene before us. Her simple clothes stood in stark contrast to the lavish surroundings.

Becca glanced up, her eyes glinting with smug satisfaction. "Robert, Audrey and Lucy are here."

The banquet fell briefly silent as the guests turned to look in our direction.

Robert's smile stiffened. He put down the baby boys in a cradle and strode toward me.

"Audrey, why didn't you tell me you were coming? I could have sent someone to pick you and Lucy up…"

A mocking smile tugged at my lips.

Was