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.”

been moved to tears each time. Now I realized those gifts were just excuses to meet Sophie.

daughter whom I’d have given my life for – I felt hollow. And Callum,

never to betray me, had made those vows as fragile as

them

the balcony, I watched their car disappear. Downstairs, the

knowing smirks making it clear – I’d always been

our room, I retrieved an old phone from a locked box. After

his “pure first love.” Young and insecure,

by sparklers, faces pressed together like mother and daughter. In the center photo, all three of

my favorite little girl’s birthday with the people I love most. This must be what pure happiness feels like.”

14:14

Love, Seven Minutes

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