I looked up and saw a young woman standing at the door, looking enchanting beside Connor. That was his junior in college, Ashley Davenport.

She blinked innocently. "Connor brought me home for a meal. Hope you guys don't mind."

Connor shrugged. "Don't worry. You're welcome here."

Before I could respond, he led her into the living room, not even glancing my way. I couldn't quite tell if he was ignoring me like he used to or if he was still upset about the cold shoulder I'd given him yesterday.

Evie scampered after them, holding her sheet music and standing by the couch.

"Dad, I learned a new piano piece. Can I play it for you?" she said eagerly, her eyes sparkling.

Connor ruffled her hair with a smile. "Sure thing."

She beamed and set up her music, but Ashley butted in. "I know that one from back then. Let's play it together for your dad, okay?"

Evie frowned, but before she could say no, Ashley plopped down and scooted her aside.

During the process, Ashley's elbow knocked over a vase.

It smashed, shards flying everywhere. Evie instinctively stepped back, but a piece sliced her foot.

Connor jumped to protect Ashley, blocking her with his body while his clothes hit the piano stand, scattering music all over.

Ashley looked apologetic. "Connor..."

He pulled her close, whispering comforts. The crash brought me running from the kitchen. "Evie, you okay?"

I bent down to check on her and saw a cut on her ankle. Blood was seeping from the wound.

"It's bleeding. Let me fix it."

"I'm fine, Mom. It's just a scratch and doesn't hurt."

She gave a brave smile, then bent to pick up her favorite paintbrush from under the scattered papers. It was a gift Connor had brought back from a business trip. She treasured it, using it for all her paintings.

But now it was wet from the vase water, the handle scratched up. Her tears spilled over, dripping onto the brush.

"Dad gave me this brush. He said I'm good at art and asked me to create pretty stuff with it. But now it's ruined," she cried.

She'd always been so careful with it, but Connor and Ashley wrecked it by accident. It broke her heart, and her hot tears burned into me.

My heart ached for her, and I pulled her into a tight hug. "It's okay. I'll fix it and make sure it's as good as new."

Ashley came over, apologizing, "I'm sorry. I knocked over the vase by accident. Is she hurt?"

Only then did Connor react. "Evie, you alright?"

"Don't you think it's too late to ask now?" I demanded. "Like whoever you want, but she's your daughter. Don't play favorites so obviously."

His brows knitted together, but Evie managed a smile. "I'm fine, Dad."

Tugging at my sleeve, she added, "I'm hungry. Let's eat, Mom."

Stung by guilt, Connor picked her up and carried her to the table, which delighted her so much. The food was our favorite, but Ashley stared without eating.

Connor noticed it. "Ashley is allergic to eggs and potatoes, and she doesn't do spicy or sour. Make her something else."

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."

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.]