Chapter 4
Before, I'd do it, always making what they liked. Now, I just picked up some fried eggs for Evie and shrugged. "Out of ingredients. There's salad in the kitchen. She can have that."
Connor was not happy to hear that, but Ashley quickly chimed in, "It's fine. I'm just here for a free meal. Can't trouble Daisy to cook something special for me."
I ignored Ashley's snarky tone and turned to Connor. "You promised to take Evie to Disneyland. Got the tickets yet?"
Evie's eyes lit up, nervous and excited. Connor tensed, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the armrest. "Not yet. Work's been crazy."
Her excitement faded, but he added, "I'll get them after lunch. Pack tonight. We'll head out early tomorrow morning. Plenty of time to play."
Evie beamed, whispering to me, "Dad loves me. He was just too busy. We're going to Disneyland together!"
I ruffled her hair, feeling a mix of emotions. Connor had ditched us too many times. If he bailed again, it would crush her.
Ashley smiled with feigned surprise. "Disneyland's a blast. Connor and I went last year, hit all the big rides, and even caught that stunning castle light show. It was packed, and the lines were insane. You guys..."
She paused deliberately, then added apologetically, "Sorry, I said too much. Have fun."
Her bragging was obvious, basically rubbing in that she got more of Connor's attention than us. It didn't bug me, but Evie went quiet, poking at her food.
Connor saw Ashley off after dinner, then came back to help with the dishes, which was rare for him.
"I've been swamped lately," he muttered. "Totally spaced on the tickets. Let's plan it out for a great trip."
I hummed, and he added, "Good thing the cut isn't deep. Next time, I'll check on Evie first."
Too bad for him, there was no next time. I'd divorce him at the beginning of next year.
Thinking of how he fussed over Ashley and that journal, I asked, "If you care about her so much, why marry me?"
His face clouded over. "You and Evie have lived off me all these years. Why get jealous every time Ashley comes up? Grow up."
He tossed the gloves and dish into the sink, storming off. I was speechless. I had given him a chance to come clean, but he wouldn't admit his feelings, ruining lives without a shred of guilt.
The clean house, hot meals, and well-behaved daughter all required effort. But he acted superior, expecting me to cling and please him.
Once the dishes were done, I stepped out to see them packing.
"A week's trip: At least two outfits each, extras for Evie..." he muttered, mapping out plans and checklists.
Evie buzzed nearby, her excitement uncontainable. He gently ruffled her hair, asking if she wanted to bring toys.
I was surprised by how reliable he was this time. He was seriously preparing for the trip and discussing rides with her.
For once, he acted like a real dad, and I felt happy for Evie.
The next day, we were ready to head out, but Connor put on his coat to leave alone. I frowned, asking, "Where are you heading? It's Disneyland time."
Chapter 5
Connor looked worried. "Ashley texted, mentioning a bad stomachache. It must be the spicy food from last night. I need to go check on her."
My heart sank, and I grabbed his sleeve. "She is an adult and can get help from someone else. We've waited forever for this, and Evie's pumped to go with you. You can't back out now."
He yanked free, unhappy. "We can do Disneyland anytime—next year even. But this could be serious; she ate your cooking. What if something bad happens?"
I watched him leave, tears blurring my vision as I recalled Evie's hopeful look yesterday.
"Connor!" I called after him, biting my lip and bowing to him.
He turned around, shocked. "What are you doing? Get up."
"Evie has gotten so little from you growing up," I pleaded. "She's always been such a good girl. You promised this as her reward for gold stars. Please, don't flake. Just go with her this time."
He hesitated, but his phone buzzed. His jaw tightened as he read the text. "Ashley is in real pain. How can I enjoy Disneyland? Stop guilt-tripping me."
He tried to help me up, but Evie ran out, pulling me up first. Tears streamed down her pale face as she muttered, "Mom."
Turning to him, she said, "Go help her if she's sick, sir. It's okay, Disneyland can wait."
Connor blinked at the appellation. "I'm your dad. Why did you call me that? Anyway, Ashley is really sick. Once I drop her at the hospital, we'll reschedule."
"You'll regret this, Connor!" I yelled as he left.
He heard it but kept going, slamming the door shut. Evie didn't even glance his way, patting my hand. "Don't beg him for me, Mom. It makes me sad. You matter the most."
My eyes welled up as I hugged her tightly. "Okay, I won't do that anymore."
She buried herself in my arms, sobbing and trembling. "I heard it all. He really likes Ashley, but I am happy with you. I'll follow you anywhere. Let's go."
My heart melted. I wiped my tears, resolute. "Alright."
We grabbed our suitcases, and I left the divorce agreement on the piano.
Just then, a message popped up.
Ashley: [Daisy, you're pathetic. Can't keep him even with the kid. I just faked illness, and he ditched you guys.]
A photo below showed Connor making soup for her in the kitchen.
Bitterness hit me, but the pain was no more. We wouldn't hurt over him ever again. I screenshotted the chat and took a picture of the divorce agreement before sending everything to Connor.
[She is the one for you. Sign the divorce agreement, and you'll be free.]
Connor carried the soup out of the kitchen, what happened that morning replaying in his mind. Something didn't feel right.
Ashley sat at the table, tugging at his sleeve playfully. "I know you had plans today. Thanks for coming over."
He nodded, but his unease grew. Then his phone dinged with a message. Opening it, he saw the pictures and my text.
[She is the one for you. Sign the divorce agreement, and you'll be free.]
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