He Chose Her, I Left with My Daughter

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.]