The Substitute's Contract: Seven Days to Reset My Life

Chapter 19

Luna Smith stood in the corner of the office, her small fists clenched, her eyes red-rimmed as she stared at Ethan Smith. She hadn’t shed a single tear when Emily had shoved her earlier, but now, watching Ethan’s gentle demeanor toward Emily, her heart twisted in agony.

"Dad..."

Her voice was barely a whisper, her lips trembling. The man who used to lift her high in the air was now soothing another girl with soft words. Had five years of shared memories truly vanished just like that?

"Hey!" Emily planted her hands on her hips, cutting her off without hesitation. "I told you, he’s my dad! Why do you keep trying to steal him?"

The homeroom teacher stood awkwardly to the side, hesitating to intervene. Every time these two met, they clashed over the title of "Dad," and neither was willing to back down.

"Emily." Ethan smoothed his daughter’s hair, his tone gentle but firm. "I’ve told you before—hitting people is wrong."

Emily pouted, her small fingers twisting the hem of her dress. She didn’t understand why, but something about Luna always made her restless. And hearing that word—Dad—from her lips felt like stepping on her tail.

"Fine," she muttered, reaching up to smooth the frown from Ethan’s brow. "I won’t fight anymore."

The office door suddenly swung open, and Sophia Sinclair hurried in. Luna’s eyes brightened for a moment—until she caught the guarded look in Ethan’s gaze and shrank back.

"Ms. Sinclair." Ethan’s voice was icy. "Please discipline your daughter. While I sympathize with her loss, it’s inappropriate for her to call another man 'Dad.'"

Sophia paled, her lips trembling, but no words of defense came. Instead, she bowed deeply. "I apologize. I’ll speak with her."

"Mom!" Luna stared at her in disbelief. But Sophia only shook her head slightly, taking her hand and leading her quickly out of the room.

In the hallway, Sophia knelt to meet her daughter’s gaze. "Luna, we have to be patient. He doesn’t remember us now, but one day, he’ll see how much you care." She wiped away Luna’s tears. "You have to show him your pain—and your kindness."

Back in the office, Ethan adjusted Emily’s messy braids. He would never know that mother and daughter were already plotting how to re-enter his life. And if he had known, he would have scoffed—those five years of false affection should have stayed buried, just like the mission that had ended them.