Chapter 16: The Jealous Daddy

A persistent knocking echoed through the house, breaking the quietude of the evening. "Knock, knock, knock. Mia, open the door!" a voice called out urgently.

"No, you promised to get me a mommy three days ago, but you've been dodging me, Daddy!" The voice grew more insistent, filled with frustration. "I won't play with you forever!"

Ethan Sterling felt a headache coming on as he listened to his daughter's impassioned pleas. He knew all too well that once Mia became like this, he had to handle her with care.

"Mia, baby, I've got you a surprise," Ethan called out, hoping to quell his daughter's impatience. But Mia did not budge, much less open the door.

At this point, Emily realized that she had to step in. She knew that Mia's longing for a motherly figure was genuine, and it was time to bridge that gap.

"Hello, Mia," Emily greeted warmly as she approached the door. Immediately, Mia stood up and swung the door open. The sight that greeted her, however, was unexpected.

The first thing Mia shouted made Ethan's forehead twitch with irritation. "Mommy!" Mia exclaimed as she hugged a surprised Emily tightly. Emily had not expected Mia to call her "mommy," much less embrace her so warmly.

Ethan, feeling a twinge of jealousy, couldn't resist stepping in. "Brat, you've forgotten your father," he chided Mia, who reluctantly released her hold on Emily. "Anyways, she's not your mommy yet, as I haven't married her."

But Mia's next words took Emily by surprise. "Then get married tomorrow," she declared, her determination evident. With that, Ethan froze for a moment,

"Why hadn't he thought of that?" Ethan wondered, his mind racing. Turning to Emily, he announced, "We're getting married tomorrow, so get ready." With that, he headed to his room, still feeling a bit jealous of how Mya had clung to Emily.

Emily, on the other hand, was stunned by the sudden turn of events. She had not expected Ethan to be so petty, arranging a wedding tomorrow out of jealousy because his daughter had clung to her.

As she contemplated the whirlwind of emotions and decisions, a devious thought crossed Emily's mind. "So evil," she thought to herself, her heart racing at the prospect of the unexpected twist