The Unbroken Warlord

Chapter 6

"Go away!" Ivy shouted, her voice filled with hatred.

Callen stood still for a moment before his knees dropped to the ground. He knelt in front of Ivy and Lily, powerless.

"I'm sorry, Ivy... I came too late," he said softly, his voice hoarse.

Ivy let out a bitter laugh. "Too late? Five years, Callen. Five years! I faced everything on my own. Where were you when I needed you the most?" she asked, shaking her head in disappointment.

Callen lowered his head in silence. Everything that had happened to Ivy was his fault. He had no excuse.

Lily looked at her parents, switching her gaze back and forth. She didn't understand much, but she knew her mother was mad at her father. With small steps, she walked up to Callen, stretched her arms out, and stood between them.

"Mom, don't be mad at Dad. He saved me and beat up the bad guy! Dad is so cool, just like you said," Lily explained, bouncing happily.

Lily's words hit Callen harder than any blow. For the past five years, his life had been nothing but vengeance. He fought endlessly, rising from an ordinary soldier to a general in just two years. With that power, he quietly helped Ivy's family.

He used his connections to direct investments from wealthy businessmen and military officials into the Carter family's business. That was the reason they became one of the elite families in Avenfall City. He thought that helping them become wealthy would also make Ivy's life better.

But he didn't know that the Carters had cast Ivy out. Everything he did to help her ended up bringing her more pain. From the reports he received, the Carters often bullied her and used her in the company for a small salary. Some of the projects she worked hard on were even claimed by her own cousin.

Ivy smiled bitterly as she watched her daughter beam with joy. All this time, to protect Lily's heart, she had told her that her father went off to war and would return a hero.

She crouched down and gently stroked Lily's head. "Lily, go inside first. I made your favorite beef soup."

Lily pouted. "No! I want to go home with Daddy."

"I need to talk to Daddy. It's important, Sweetheart. Please go inside first, okay? Be a good girl."

Lily hesitated but finally nodded. She gave Callen one last look before running back toward the house.

Silence settled between them again.

"I don't know where to begin, Ivy," Callen said quietly. "But I know I don't have the right to ask for anything. I just want... to make things right. Hit me, if it'll ease your anger, Ivy."

Slap!

Ivy didn't hesitate. Her hand landed hard across Callen's face, releasing her years of pain. Callen didn't flinch. He took it without a word.

She fought back tears. Five years ago, Callen left for war without saying goodbye in person. He had only sent a letter saying he was being deployed and promised to return. Ivy had believed him.

Every week she wrote to him. He replied each time. But when she sent the most important letter, he didn't reply at all.

Still, she kept believing in him. She thought maybe he was too busy on the battlefield. But after years of silence, her trust was shattered, and slowly, hatred grew in its place.

Her breathing quickened. "I want a divorce! We're going to court tomorrow," she said firmly.

"Ivy, about the letters you sent... I had a reason I couldn't reply," Callen tried to explain.

"A reason?" Ivy scoffed. "Go on, let me hear what kind of reason justifies ignoring your own daughter!"

"I'll explain when the time is right," Callen answered quietly.

If he told her now, the truth that he was a Langford heir would come out. He couldn't risk that. If the four families found out, they would come after Ivy and Lily. Only after he made sure they were safe would he reveal everything.

"Don't make me laugh, Callen. If you don't have a real reason, don't make one up."

Callen lowered his head again. "I'm sorry, Ivy. But please, give me a chance to make things right. I promise I won't leave you again."

He tried to reach for her hand, but she pulled away sharply.

"Don't even think about it," Ivy snapped.

"Please, I'm begging you, just let me stay," Callen whispered. "I have nowhere else to go. I only have you and Lily."

Ivy's heart wavered. She remembered Callen was an orphan. He grew up in an orphanage. He told her that back when they were dating.

Trying to stay composed, she asked, "Lily... was it really you who saved her?"

"I was passing by and saw her. Her face looked like yours, so I helped. Once I heard her last name, I knew she was mine. Then I beat the hell out of that bastard Jade," Callen replied.

"Be careful. Now that you've hit Jade, he might come after you for revenge. I'm only warning you because I'm thankful you saved Lily."

Callen's heart ached. Ivy still cared about him. She was still the same kind woman he fell in love with.

"Now go back to your house."

Callen stayed silent. He had rushed back so fast he didn't even have time to buy a new home. And he had sold his old one long ago.

Seeing his silence, Ivy narrowed her eyes. "Wait... you don't have a place to stay?"

"Not right now... no."

Ivy let out a sharp sigh. After a long pause, she finally said, "Fine. You can stay here until you find a place. Besides, Lily really wants to see you. I can't disappoint her."

Callen's expression lit up. "Thank you, Ivy. You're still as kind as ever."

"Don't get the wrong idea. I'm doing this for Lily."

"I know," Callen replied.

He knew Ivy had endured everything for Lily's sake. But behind that admiration was deep regret. He hadn't been there during her hardest moments.

Now, all he wanted was to make up for everything. He would give her the life she deserved, one where no one would dare look down on her again.

"Well, well. So you're still alive after all?"

A cold voice interrupted them.