Would a husband/father prioritise his daughter over his wife/partner?

I can't understand this as I've never been in this situation.

I had no intimate/romantic relationship with my 8 yo daughter's mum from the start of the pregnancy and my first relationship was a totally different dynamic resulting in my first ex cheating with the then neighbour.

I wonder if it relates to intimacy? Not really clear. Very taboo but I bet there are families where that happens maybe even openly.