THE FORGOTTEN DAD

Chapter 45: A Glimpse into a Hidden Life

The news of Emil Langston being seen with his ex-wife, Jasmine, at a hospital in Molsheim, along with the first public appearance of their daughter, Eva, sent shockwaves across the globe. Every major media outlet covered the story, speculating whether the two had reconciled. The internet buzzed with theories, and social media was flooded with comments about how adorable Eva was—a perfect blend of American and South Korean heritage.

At a luxurious hotel in Paris, Emil sat in a dimly lit room, his eyes fixated on the television screen. The headline scrolled across the bottom: "Emil Langston and Ex-Wife Reunite? First Public Appearance of Their Daughter!" Emil's heart sank as he watched footage of himself carrying Eva out of the hospital, Jasmine close behind them.

Steven stood nearby, his expression tense. "The news of you and Jasmine is dominating every platform," he reported, his voice low. "It's even overshadowing Langston Group's involvement in the Bugatti event."

Emil remained silent, his thoughts a whirlwind of regret and confusion. Steven continued cautiously, "We need to consider our next steps. Should we issue a press release to clarify the situation?"

Emil shook his head slowly, finally breaking his silence. "No," he said, his voice strained. "A press release will only draw more attention to Jasmine and Eva. I can't risk putting them in more danger. The media won't leave them alone now."

Steven could sense the heaviness in Emil's tone and chose his words carefully. "You're worried about them, aren't you? About what all this attention might do?"

Emil let out a bitter laugh, devoid of any humor. "Worried? That doesn't even begin to cover it. I'm terrified, Steven. Terrified that all I'm doing is hurting them more."

Steven stepped closer, trying to offer some comfort. "You couldn't have known Jasmine was in France. We searched everywhere for her. There was no indication that she would be here."

Emil clenched his fists, frustration bubbling to the surface. "But I should have known. Jasmine always talked about France as her escape. She dreamed of starting over here. And I—" His voice broke, and he turned away, ashamed. "I was too blind to see it."

Steven hesitated before speaking again. "Emil, it's not too late to make things right. You can still be there for Eva."

Emil sighed, the weight of his guilt pressing down on him. "I've spent years trying to find them, to make amends. But now that they're right in front of me, it feels like I'm losing them all over again."

A heavy silence fell over the room, only broken by the distant hum of the city outside. Emil's mind drifted back to his conversation with Dae Ho the previous night. The words still echoed in his head: "You're selfish, Emil. All you care about is what you want, not what's best for Eva."

Steven, sensing Emil's turmoil, spoke up. "Maybe you just need to take a step back, give them some space—"

"No," Emil interrupted, his voice firm but tinged with desperation. "I need to see Eva. I need to know she's okay." He stood up abruptly, his decision made. "Prepare a private plane. I'm going back to Molsheim today."

Steven frowned, concerned. "But you're scheduled to return to New York. If we delay—"

"I don't care," Emil snapped, his eyes flashing with determination. "I'm not leaving without seeing my daughter. Not again."

A few hours later, Emil stood outside Jasmine's modest home, his heart pounding in his chest. The house was a stark contrast to the mansion they once shared, yet it exuded a warmth and love that Emil hadn't felt in years. He hesitated for a moment before knocking on the door.