I loved watching her little face when she was fast asleep, chubby and cute, always filling me with endless happiness.
But today, looking at her sleeping face, I felt a weight in my heart, making it hard to breathe.
Late into the night, I could still hear Jeremy teaching James in the study, punctuated by occasional thuds and shouting.
When Jeremy and I were dating, his patience and emotional stability attracted me the most.
My parents were in business abroad and had entrusted me to relatives, seldom returning home.
I had long grown accustomed to living independently, feeling as though there was nothing I couldn't handle on my own.
In my sophomore year, during a New Year's Eve gala, I was the lead dancer, but before going on stage, someone intentionally bumped into me and twisted my ankle.
I performed through the pain, surrounded by applause and flowers, but only Jeremy noticed my injury.
On that cold, snowy night, he carried me step by step to the school gate, turning to say softly, "If you ever feel wronged, don't hold it in; I'm here for you."
But now, the grievances of me and my daughter felt trivial compared to the "children's issues" in someone else's house.
How much longer must we endure these days?
As midnight approached, the bedroom door finally creaked open.
I turned away, but Jeremy wrapped his arms around me from behind, resting his chin in the crook of my neck.
"Baby, are you still mad? I was wrong; please don't be angry, okay? I know you're the bigger person."
He leaned in to kiss me with a hint of aggression, his long fingers caressing my waist.
Yet, the familiar scent that once made my heart race now brought no excitement.
I turned my head away, looking for an excuse to refuse him. "Nina is still here; please don't wake her."
Jeremy gently picked Nina up and took her to his room.
Our married life has always been harmonious.
But this time, I couldn't fully immerse myself due to my resentment; for the first time, it felt like I was just going through the motions.
He, however, seemed oblivious to any abnormality.
Once things settled down, he held me close, gently stroking my forehead like before.
"James is such a stubborn child; no matter how I teach him, he just doesn't get it. I lost my temper for a moment and took it out on you and Nina. I promise I won't let that happen again."