Chapter 3

I didn’t have to wait long in the room. Callum soon entered with Mila, their matching features striking- both wearing gentle smiles, eyes full of apparent warmth as they moved to embrace me.

I instinctively stepped back.

Callum’s smile faltered for a moment, but he said nothing. Mila’s eyes filled with tears. “Mommy, don’t you want to hug me?”

Her lips trembled, eyes glistening – the perfect picture of innocence that always melted her father’s heart.

Callum immediately knelt beside her, pulling her close. “Of course not, sweetheart. Mommy’s dress is stained- she just doesn’t want to ruin your beautiful birthday dress.”

Mila’s tears subsided as she processed this. Then her face lit up with that dazzling smile I once treasured.

“Mommy, Daddy and I have a special surprise for you,” she said sweetly. “Even though it’s my birthday, we never forget what you went through for me. The gift isn’t here yet – we need to go pick it up.”

remembered all the previous birthdays, how they’d always had a “special gift” for me, how I’d been moved to tears each time. Now I realized

daughter whom I’d have given my life for – I felt

had made those vows as fragile as

them leave hand

disappear. Downstairs, the party

clear

our room, I retrieved an old phone from a

His childhood sweetheart, his “pure first love.” Young and insecure, I’d created

was with Mila, surrounded by sparklers, faces pressed together

little girl’s birthday with the people I love most. This

14:14

Seven

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