The Day My Daughter Fired Her Father

Xavier Galvan's first love, Winter Singleton, happens to return to the country on the same day our daughter, Tina Galvan, is diagnosed with a heart condition. I wait helplessly with my five-year-old Tina at the hospital for her results. Meanwhile, Xavier drives to the airport to pick up Winter and her son, Ian Becker, just so that he can feel like he has a father to pick them up. I sign the surgery consent form alone while sitting by Tina's hospital bed. Meanwhile, Xavier takes Winter shopping at the mall and even picks out a birthday present for his newly-appointed "godson". On the day of Tina's surgery, just before she's wheeled into the theater, she grabs Xavier's sleeve tightly, refusing to let go. "I'm scared, Daddy. Can you please stay here with Mommy and wait for me?" He agrees. However, a split moment later, Winter calls him. "Xav? Ian's looking for his 'daddy' everywhere at the birthday party. Can you please come over?" Xavier doesn't even hesitate as he pries Tina's fingers, one by one, from his sleeve, and says, "It's just a small surgery, Tina. There's nothing to be afraid of. "Winter needs Daddy now, but I'll be back soon afterward, okay?" Then, Xavier turns to leave. Tina doesn't cry. However, the first thing she does after coming back out of the surgery is to refer to him by a different address. "I don't want Uncle Xavier as my daddy anymore, Mommy." Chapter 1 When my husband, Xavier Galvan, finally returned, it was already 2:00 am. Our daughter, Tina Galvan, had already come out of the operating theater, and the nurse, Sherry York, was wheeling her into the ICU for further observation. Meanwhile, I had also just gotten off the phone with Dad. Xavier came up to me, a woman's perfume still strong on his clothes, and asked, "So what's Tina's condition like now? What did the doctor say?" In the past, I had always hoped that he would ask more about Tina and show more concern about her. I wanted him to show himself as a good father to her and not let her suffer the same fate as I did of being treated as a mere dispensable substitute for his first love instead. But today, I didn't even look back at him as I replied calmly, "It's nothing much. She's okay." Xavier frowned. "What is this behavior, Heather Shaw? Tina is my daughter too!" "Really?" I smiled slightly, still not turning around to face him. … Just a week ago, Tina had been diagnosed with a congenital heart disease. Meanwhile, Xaiver's first love, Winter Singleton, had also just returned to the country after years of being abroad. I held Tina in my arms, waiting anxiously at the hospital for her results, while Xavier refused to pick up a single one of my calls as he drove all the way to the airport to pick Winter and her son, Ian Becker, up. Tina was hospitalized that night. And the first story that Winter posted on her Instagram was a video of Xavier interacting with Ian, captioned, "We still ended up together after all the things we've gone through. I think that it's the start of something romantic." In the video, Xavier was telling Ian to refer to him as "Daddy". I had been married to him for seven years, and we had a five-year-old daughter together. After she was diagnosed with a heart condition and hospitalized, he never even bothered calling once. Meanwhile, Winter was his first love, and the moment she set foot into the country after her divorce, Xavier had her son call him "Daddy". I replayed the video on my phone a total of 33 times. That was the first time when I realized that both Tina and I never meant much to him after all. For the days following that, I busied myself communicating with her doctor and surgeon about the upcoming heart surgery, ferrying myself back and forth between our home and the hospital. As for Xavier, he never even came home once during those few days. He had been worried that Winter couldn't get used to living by herself back here, so he personally escorted her around to scout out suitable places for her to rent. He also cooked for her and Ian three times a day, worried that she couldn't get used to the food here. I had been married to him for so many years, and I never knew he could cook. Finally, it was the day of Tina's surgery. She cried all night long because she was scared. She said that she wanted her dad and asked me why Xavier wasn't here to keep her company at the hospital. I had no other option but to call him again. This time, he finally picked up. But his voice was impatient and annoyed. "What is it now? Didn't I tell you not to call me just because you felt like it, Heather Shaw?" "Tina's heart surgery is tomorrow." Xavier hesitated. I listened to the sound of Winter and Ian laughing and giggling in the background and continued, saying, "Tina's really scared and wants you here. "Xavier, for the sake of our seven years of marriage, come over to the hospital now." "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" he shot back in anger. I chuckled. Chapter 2 My chuckle was so light that it vanished like the wind the moment it appeared. "Tina was diagnosed with a heart condition a week ago. I called you 78 times. You never picked up." … Xavier made his way to the hospital the next day. Tina had been hospitalized for seven days, and this was the first time he'd arrived at the hospital to see her. "Daddy! You're here!" Tina exclaimed, smiling at him purely and innocently. However, he acted like he'd just been pricked by a needle and refused to meet her eye. "Yeah." Then, he pulled me out into the hospital hallway. "What did the doctor say?" "Ventricular septal defect. It's a bit off-center and requires a minor open-heart surgery to repair it." "Is it dangerous?" "The risk is small if she doesn't get emotional or worked up." Xavier heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness." Then, he lifted his wrist and checked his watch. "It's Ian's birthday today. I promised Winter that I would be there for the party. When is the surgery? I only have three more hours to spare." Xavier used the word "spare" on us—to describe the time he would be spending accompanying his own daughter for a heart surgery. It felt as though this precious time was something that his wife and daughter had to fight for. I gave him a deep look before turning and walking back into Tina's ward. The surgery was scheduled for 2:00 pm. Sherry then wheeled Tina out, who'd lost a lot of weight since being hospitalized, to prep her beforehand. Tina's eyes were red. She gripped both me and Xavier tightly as she was wheeled out, refusing to let go. "Mommy, does the surgery hurt? I'm really scared…" Her surgeon, Dr. Paul Quentin, suggested, "The patient is only five years old, and it's important that her emotional stability is maintained throughout the surgery for it to succeed. As parents, I hope that you will give your child as much emotional support as possible during the surgery. "Especially you," Dr. Quentin added, eyeing Xavier. "The child has been crying all night asking for her dad. I don't know what you've been busy with lately, Mr. Galvan, but your daughter needs you at this crucial time." Tina then lifted her head, her dark eyes blinking with tears as she looked at Xavier expectantly. "Daddy, can you please stay here with Mommy and wait for me?" Xavier looked at her, a flicker of emotion in his eyes. "Alright. I'll stay with you." Tina smiled. She was just about to say something when his phone suddenly rang, and Winter's tearful voice came through. "Xav! Where are you? Ian's looking for his 'Daddy' everywhere and he can't find you. Can you please hurry up and come over as soon as possible?" Xavier was stunned for only a split second before he agreed without much thought. "I'll be right there." Tina grabbed his sleeve at once. "Daddy! Where are you going?" Xavier didn't even look at her as he pried off each of her fingers, one by one, his tone urgent and impatient. "Winter has an emergency. I have to go there now. Stay here and be good, okay, Tina? There's nothing scary about the surgery. Mommy will be here with you." Then, he left without another backward glance. "Xavier Galvan!" I yelled out after him. "If you leave now, then you're not Tina's dad anymore!" Xavier paused. Seconds later, he slowly turned around and looked at me. "Stop saying nonsense." Then, he left resolutely. Tina stared at his disappearing back in vast disbelief, her soft sobs gradually turning into loud wails. Everything seemed to have just happened in a matter of seconds. However, it felt incredibly long, like the past seven years. The surgery lasted five whole hours. Xavier never called at all, not even once. However, Winter posted three new updates on her Instagram stories. "If they love you, they'll always be there for you, whether rain or shine. Love needs no urging. Just a single phone call. "So thankful to a certain someone today for his wonderful surprise. Ian said he loved his new daddy now. "Every day is filled with happiness when you're with the right person." I tapped through Winter's stories, feeling a pang in my heart. I knew that some things had been thoroughly shattered today. … "What the hell do you mean by this, Heather? I just didn't stay for Tina's surgery! It's not like it's major surgery anyway." Chapter 3 "Also, you were there with her the whole time, weren't you?" Xavier demanded with a frown on his face, his eyes filled with displeasure. He made it seem as though I was the one in the wrong now. I didn't want to argue with him. "Are you done talking?" I asked him calmly. "If you have, then you can leave now. Winter is still waiting for you." Xavier was caught off-guard and at a loss for words. "Heather, you—" "The patient has woken up. Her family can come in to visit her now," Sherry said, opening the door. "I'm coming," I said, hurrying over to the ward and putting on the protective suit as instructed without giving Xavier a second glance. He tightened his fist, feeling a little uncomfortable. However, he wasn't in the mood to argue with me either. He just reached out his hand expectantly to Sherry. "Where's my suit?" Sherry looked up at him, her eyes filled with surprise. Then, she said coldly, "I'm sorry, sir, but the patient only said that she wanted to see her mother. She didn't mention anyone else." Then, she turned to me and urged me to hurry. "Are you done? Tina's waiting for you." The door then closed in Xavier's face. In the ward, Tina smiled at me with much difficulty. "Mommy." I quickly went up to her and held her hand, my eyes turning red. "Yes, Tina. Mommy's here." She smiled again and lifted her tiny hands to wipe my tears away. "Don't cry anymore, Mommy. It doesn't hurt anymore. Mr. Doctor said that I'll get better very soon. You don't have to worry anymore." She was trying to comfort me in her own clumsy way, but it only made the tears in my eyes fall even faster. "Tina, Daddy's here now. Do you want Daddy to come in and see you?" Tina's smile vanished as she turned to look at the observation window, where Xavier was standing. When he saw her looking at him, he was stunned at first. Then, he quickly waved at her like he was happy to see her. However, Tuna quickly averted her gaze and looked at me, saying in a serious tone, "I don't want Uncle Xavier as my daddy anymore, Mommy." … I kept Tina company in the ICU for the entire night. Xavier also stayed at the window the entire time. Early the next morning, I left to pick something up at home. Xavier came up to me at once. "About yesterday…" He then trailed off as though he didn't know how to continue. He said, "Help me explain to Tina that I didn't mean to leave her yesterday." I didn't stop walking. He then observed my expression and added, "I've already asked the doctor about it. Tina needs to continue staying at the hospital for another week, and during that time, the house will be empty. "So, I was thinking if we could let Winter and Ian stay at our house for a few days. You know that they only just came back from overseas, and they still haven't managed to find a rental yet—" "Okay." I agreed so quickly that the rest of Xavier's explanation choked in his throat. For some reason, he was dissatisfied with my response. "You're just going to agree like that? You're not going to get mad?" "Why would I get mad? Winter is very important to you. Tina and I both know that. Also, you're the one who owns the house, so you can let anyone live in it as you wish." Xavier went quiet. Then, he said coldly, "You've changed, Heather." I froze. Then, I took even larger steps forward than before. "People change, Xavier." It was just like when I married him years ago. He still hadn't gotten over Winter yet, but he still told me clearly, "Since I chose to marry you, that means I'm going to be responsible for you no matter what. "I will treat you and any of our future children well and not let you get hurt next time. This is my promise to you, and it will never change." Later on, Tina was born. And although Xavier never said anything about it, I knew that he was secretly very happy and pleased. There were a handful of times when I got up in the middle of the night to pump and saw him sitting next to Tina's cot, staring at her unblinkingly with nothing but pure love and adoration in his eyes. He probably wasn't even aware of how tenderly he was looking at her. I really thought then that we would continue being a happy family. … After getting what I needed from the house, I took a cab back to the hospital. Dad called me just then. "I've already gotten in touch with the doctor for Tina. He's one of the most famous pediatric cardiologists internationally, and he speaks our language too, but he currently resides in Sweeland. Your mom and I are already on our way there." Chapter 4 Dad asked, "When will you and Tina be ready to leave? I'll arrange for someone to pick you up." I looked at the newly printed divorce agreement in my hand and answered in a soft tone, "Tomorrow. Dr. Quentin said that Tina's condition is quite stable and well, and… I don't really want her to continue staying here anymore." Dad sighed. "Alright. We'll do as you say. I should never have made you marry Xavier back then. We will cut off all ties with the Galvans moving on." … That afternoon, Tina was transferred from the ICU to a regular ward. I told her about our plans for leaving. At first, I thought that she would be reluctant to leave. I was also prepared to convince her to leave if she made a big fuss about it. However, after telling her about it, Tina was just quiet for a short while before saying, "I want to call him." She was referring to Xavier. I looked at her tear-filled eyes and dialed his number without hesitation. This time, he picked up fairly quickly. "Heather? Why is Tina's bedroom locked? The guest room is in too much of a sorry sight, so I'm planning to let Ian live in her room for now. Tell me where the keys are at." Xavier's urgent voice was immediately heard from the other side of the line, not knowing that this would be his final phone call with Tina and me before we left. I didn't tell him about it either. I just saw Tina's trembling hands and held them, unable to hold back. "Daddy…" She couldn't help calling out to him quietly, her emotions raw as her tears dripped steadily onto the blankets. "Can you come see me at the hospital tonight, just for once?" Xavier was taken aback when he heard her voice. His tone softened at once. "What are you doing with Mommy's phone, Tina? Where's Mommy? Is she next to you? Be a good girl and give the phone back to Mommy, alright?" I took the phone from Tina. "Yes?" Xavier said, "Where did you put the key to Tina's bedroom?" I hesitated slightly. "On the study table." "You don't mind if I lend Winter your new pajamas in the master bedroom, right?" "Whatever." "Also, Ian accidentally dropped the music box on the living room shelf. I'll buy another one to replace it tomorrow. Don't tell Tina about it." I fell silent. Tina had already heard every single word he said. That music box was Xavier's birthday gift to Tina when she was three years old. She had always treasured it very much and even went to sleep with it at night. She was scared that she would break it if she brought it to the hospital with her this time, so she left it safely on the living room shelf. However, the first day Xavier brought someone else home, they'd already broken it. "Are you still there, Heather?" Xavier asked, frowning. "Also, what did Tina say just now? I didn't hear her properly. Did she say she wanted me to come over tonight—" "No!" Tina suddenly grabbed my hand, shaking her head frantically with her eyes red. My fingers tensed, and my breathing also quickened for a second. Ultimately, I smiled bitterly and said, "No, you heard her wrongly." After hanging up, Tina couldn't hold back anymore and fell into my arms. I held her tightly, feeling my heart hurting for her. I knew now that she was completely over Xavier. So, I didn't drag on anymore and changed our plans to leave at the last minute. I got Tina discharged by 5:00 pm that night and called Dad to pick us up. Approximately two hours later, a helicopter landed on the roof of the hospital. Before getting into the helicopter, I handed Sherry the divorce agreement and said, "Please help me give this to him." Sherry nodded and agreed, and I finally relaxed as I picked Tina up in my arms and headed straight for the helicopter without another backward glance. Meanwhile, Xavier also entered the hospital parking lot at that very same moment. He'd been feeling rather restless and uneasy ever since hanging up.