183 Chapter 183

Damien’s POV

“Really?” Riley’s voice came through the phone, surprised. “That’s great! Who are you bringing?”

“I’ll let you know,” I said, already regretting the words. “See you Saturday.”

Thung up before she could ask more questions.

Lily was staring at me with those ocean and forest eyes. Her whole face was lit up with hope.

“Daddy?” Her voice was small. Careful. “Are you going to bring Mama?”

My chest tightened. “Lily-”

“Because I know where she is!” The words tumbled out in a rush. “I can show you! We can go get her and bring her to the party and then

everything will be perfect!”

“Baby, listen to me.” I knelt down so we were eye level. “The woman you saw today wasn’t Mama.”

“But she looked just like her! She had forest eyes and-”

“I know.” I caught her small hands in mine. “I know she looked similar. But it wasn’t her.”

“How do you know?” Her bottom lip trembled. “You didn’t even see her!”


“I just know,” I said quietly.

“Then who are you bringing?” Lily pulled her hands free, her expression shifting from hope to something harder. “Who’s coming with us

if it’s not Mama?”

“A friend. Someone nice who can—”

“I don’t want a friend!” Her voice got louder. Angry. “I want my mama! Why can’t I have my mama like all the other kids?”

“Lily-”

“It’s not fair!” Tears spilled down her cheeks. “Grace has a mama. All the kids at daycare have mamas. Why don’t I get one?”

“You have a mama,” I said, my throat tight. “She’s just not here right now.”

“Then where is she?” Lily’s small fists clenched at her sides. “Why did she leave? Doesn’t she love me?”

My heart shattered. “Of course she loves you. She loves you so much—”

why isn’t she HERE?” The words came out as a wail. “If she loved

arms even though she tried to push away. Held her tight while she sobbed

chest.


hair. “She had reasons. Important

15.05

1/4

183 Chapter 183

against my shirt. “I hate them! I

baby. I

holding her. Her crying. Both of us breaking over someone who

Her small body went

softly. “Let’s get

“But the party-”

party. I promise.” I lifted her, carrying her toward the stairs.

up the stairs. Her room was exactly

stuffed wolf she insisted on sleeping with every


The whole time, she didn’t say a word. Just stared

those sad eyes.

the covers up to her

I found her,” she whispered. “When I saw that lady today.

“I know you did.”

you don’t believe

not that I

clutching that

“Sweetie-”

tired, Daddy. Can I just sleep

dismissal hurt more than any

said quietly. “Sleep

kissed her forehead and stood

“Daddy?”

I turned back. “Yeah?”

she had her

hugged the stuffed wolf tighter. “Do you think… do you think Mama has new kids now? Kids she likes better

bile

“No, Lily. That’s not–that

“How do you know?”

1505

214

<

183 Chapter 183

know your mama. And she could never love anyone more than she loves you and

I said, my voice rough. “We’ll talk

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255