Dylan, however, did not retaliate.

After a few more punches, Edwin stopped.

He straightened his clothes and declared, "I'm still angry, but you're not worth my time. Just go, and never come back. You and Olivia were never officially married this time. She's done with you. It's a clean break for her."

With those final words, Edwin turned and walked away.

Dylan collapsed against his car, struggling to stand. After a moment, he called out, "What about the baby?"

Edwin paused.

After a moment of contemplation, he spoke in a hushed tone, “You claim Raphael is the father of the baby. Why bother asking about another man's child? If you're eager for a child, why not go back to Gina? She might be willing to have one with you."

Dylan slumped heavily against his car, unable to rise for quite some time.

Nearby, Leyla was playing hide and seek with her cousins.

She darted toward the gate and spotted Dylan.

The joy on her face was evident as she prepared to run to him.

However, Edwin swiftly scooped her up and placed her on his shoulder, whispering, “Stay away from him. He's a stranger now."

Confusion clouded Leyla's face; she recognized Dylan, but sensed her uncle's anger and chose not to resist. Resting on Edwin's shoulder, she looked over at Dylan and softly called out his name.

A pang of pain clutched Dylan's heart, as he remembered the blissful moments with Olivia and Leyla, back when they lived together as a family.

He had spent years by Olivia's side and knew her intimately. Yet, misled by Gina, he doubted Olivia's loyalty and cruelly accused her of infidelity, believing Raphael to be the father of the baby she was carrying.

At a critical juncture, his love faltered, and trust gave way to suspicion.

ALL the promises made at their wedding now seemed forgotten. In his reflection, Dylan admitted to himself, "I am a bastard."

Leaning painfully against the car, he shut his eyes.

Edwin carried Leyla back towards the house, aware of her sadness, yet knowing she needed to sever ties with Dylan.

As the sun set gloriously, he settled Leyla on his lap, and gently wiped her tears, asking, “Who is more important to you, your mother or Dylan?"

Leyla blinked up at him, taking a moment before responding, “Mommy is more important."

Edwin stroked Leyla's head and gently said, "So, Leyla, be brave for your mommy. Let's not talk about Dylan anymore, okay?"

She was puzzled-how did Dylan relate to her bravery? But she trusted Edwin. Although determined to put Dylan out of her mind, Leyla still felt a twinge of sadness and sought comfort in Edwin's presence.

Her face was delicate and beautiful, with large eyes, a small nose, and vivid red lips.