Chapter 12: What Did You Call My Dad?! Amy’s jaw trembled with rage. She had so much to say, but blurted out,“You call my dad ‘honey?!” Lily found her daughter’s focus oddly endearing. Amy resembled John, but her baby face and wide, surprised eyes just like her childhood self. Before meeting Amy, Lily had worried about her daughter’s spoiled behavior, but now, she saw her good qualities. Despite her dislike, Amy hadn’t been verbally abusive. Her anger was childish, indicating she wasn’t used to confrontation. Her eyes were clear and bright, clear and bright, lacking malice; malice; even her anger was naive. Whether it was parental bias or not, Lily found her daughter likeable; with a good heart, anything else could be taught. John likes that name.” Lily smiled, growing fonder of her daughter by the second. She was her child, just like Andy. “Don’t think that smile will win me over. Why do you get to decide how much money my dad. gives me? As long as I’m alive, you won’t be the mistress of this house!” Amy thought her words were powerful, expecting Lily to pale and offer excuses about true love glaying the innocent victim. But it didn’t work! She wasn’t easily fooled! She wouldn’t be manipulated by a stepmother! “But I am the mistress of this house.” A single sentence that shattered Amy’s resolve. How arrogant! ‘That’s because I haven’t told Dad. If I do, he’ll throw you out.” The car pulled into the mansion. Lily remained calm and composed, unaffected by Amy’s threats. “Don’t think I’m joking. A biological daughter and an outsider? You know who’s more important.” “You’re in this house now, but you won’t last. I’m telling you, you won’t!” Lily walked ahead; Amy trailed behind, her voice hoarse. Finally, in the study, she issued an ultimatum:“You won’t win!” Then, a photo frame was thrust into her arms. “Why are you holding my mom’s picture?!” Amy snatched it, heading to the cabinet to put it back. She’d seen her mother’s pictures Us child, but John had put them away. ter 12 What Did You Call My Da She barely saw them anymore. She remembered this frame; it had been on the living room cabinet. “Amy, do you remember your mother?” “My mom died when I was two. How could I…” She paused, glaring at Lily.“Why would I tell you?” “Don’t pry into my mother’s life. You can’t compare to her!” “I’ll be living here from now on. We’ll see how long you last!” Amy stormed off, vowing to talk to John later. Lily chuckled. What a silly girl. That night, John worked late, arriving home close to midnight. Amy was asleep on the sofa, having waited for him. The TV was off, but she snored softly. “Amy, wake up. Go to bed.” Amy sat up groggily, rubbing her eyes and heading to her room. Then she stopped, “Dad!” “Why didn’t you tell me about your girlfriend? Everyone calls her Mrs. Janson. Are you married? Did you forget Mom?” The last question was Vivian’s suggestion. She insisted Amy use her mother as a comparison point to make John dislike the new woman John knew Lily was concealing her identity, but he didn’t respond, wanting to avoid conflict. Amy was furious when he remained silent. She said she won’t let me spend money freely; I’ll have a budget! Dad, now that you have a girlfriend, can’t I even buy what I like anymore?!” Tears welled up; she felt like a helpless vegetable. “You won’t lack for anything. John’s response. was an implicit acceptance. Amy was devastated. Her father was siding with the bad woman! Wasn’t she his daughter?! Though she wasn’t overly dependent on him, seeing herself weighed against an outsider, and not chosen, left her heartbroken. In Amy’s memory, John was unemotional, cold to everyone. The atmosphere at home was serious. She hadn’t found it unusual; several of her friends had stricter fathers. Many fathers lacked expressiveness but showed love through actions; John never limited her spending. Now, she felt no love! I hate you!” She sobbed and ran to her room. John’s expression didn’t change. He showed no emotion until he saw Lily at the top of the stairs. He instantly looked downcast. Lily, Amy is mad at me.” His tone implied a mixture of grievance and seeking validation. Chapter 12 What Did You Call My Da Lily leaned into his embrace, her forehead against his chin. The comforting gesture softened him, He instantly said, “Tell me what to do, Lily. I’ll obey.” Amy, after slamming her door shut, waited, surprised that John didn’t come after her. Had he really abandoned her? Peeking through the crack, she hoped to see him either resting or hesitating outside her door. She was willing to give him an opening! Instead, she saw him embracing Lily at the bottom of the stairs. She quietly closed the door, heartbroken. He was completely infatuated with that woman! He’d really abandoned her! Feeling increasingly wronged, Amy unblocked Andy and texted him: Mom’s place is taken! Andy was fiercely protective of his mother and would be furious if another woman had taken her place. He was smart; they could work together to deal with her! For the first time, Amy felt alone and helpless in her own home. In "CEO's Wife with Many Identities" by CrushReel, follow the captivating journey of a protagonist striving to reclaim her grandfather's cherished heirlooms. Barred from an appraisal event due to concealing her true identity, she grapples with the repercussions of her secrecy. Amidst themes of family legacy and hidden truths, this modern romance unfolds in the opulent backdrop of a billionaire CEO's world. As the drama escalates within the luxurious mansion setting, the tangled web of contract lovers adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative. What sets this tale apart is its exploration of love, wealth, and deception against a backdrop of power dynamics and emotional entanglements. Engaging and immersive, "CEO's Wife with Many Identities" promises readers a unique blend of romance and suspense. Available to read at CrushReel for those seeking a story that defies convention within the realms of billion-dollar empires and complicated relationships.