Chapter 1

After a business marriage, I found myself with a four-year-old daughter.

Before I even met her, I braced myself for a cold, pure marriage of convenience.

In my mind, I pictured a "standard" blended family life: a wife who barely noticed me, and a stepdaughter who ignored me completely.

But the moment I saw that tiny figure, tugging at her dress, carefully whispering "Daddy," I was utterly, completely done for. My heart melted.

I even asked my wife, "If we ever go our separate ways, can Lily come with me?"

My wife just stared: "???"

Our family business hit a rough patch, and my dad was desperate to marry me off to a business partner who already had a child.

Honestly, I was pretty okay with it.

I was a confirmed bachelor, after all.

Since she already had a kid, I wouldn't have to worry about raising my own.

Plus, I heard she was a total workaholic, never had time for her child, who was always looked after by a nanny.

I figured life would be easier this way --- my wife was loaded, so at least I wouldn't have to foot the bill for the kid.

The wedding was small, quiet, and low-key. Not many guests.

And no, I didn't see the kid there.

My new wife, Aria , definitely lived up to her reputation as a workaholic. The ceremony barely ended before she was on a work call.

Before she left, she just said, "Something urgent came up at work. I won't be home for a few days."

"Lily is already home. Go get acquainted with her."

Lily , that was my stepdaughter's name.

My parents divorced years ago, and my relationship with my dad was pretty distant. I didn't take much from my old home, just a small necklace pendant, when I moved into my new place.