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.”

me, how I’d been moved

have given my life for –

never to betray me, had made those

them leave hand in

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

clear – I’d always been

phone from a locked box. After charging it, I powered

I’d learned about Sophie Blake. His childhood sweetheart, his “pure first love.” Young and insecure, I’d created a secret social media

Sophie’s recent post – a grid of photos at the beach. There she was with Mila, surrounded by sparklers, faces pressed together like mother and daughter. In the center photo, all three of them formed a heart against the sunset – the

birthday with the people I love

14:14

Years of Love, Seven Minutes

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

Comments ()

0/255