Love Amidst Divorce Woes

I don't quite understand what divorce means, but ever since Dad left, and with Mom always busy with work, there's been no one to build Legos with me, read me stories, or lift me up high into the air. Even the delicious desserts Faye makes can't make me happy anymore. I miss Dad's trifle.

Tonight, Mom had another engagement to attend, and I desperately clung to her, not wanting her to leave, my face streaked with tears and snot. Even Faye couldn't bear it anymore: "Ma'am, why not take Miss Carolina with you? Without her dad around and you often being away, it's tough for her at such a young age."

"But it's not an appropriate place for her..." Mom hesitated, looking at my pitiful face, and finally she gave in.

...

At the Majestic Entertainment Club.

The dance floor was dimly lit, the music was deafening, and the crowd moved their bodies with abandon. Drinks swirled in glasses, looking as tempting as ever. In the private suite on the top floor, the city's elite were gathered, all eyes glued to the TV screen as I held the microphone and sang a popular children's song.

"Happy Lamb, Beautiful Lamb, Lazy Lamb, Lovable Lamb, Silly Lamb, Fluffy Wool, Red Wolf, Grey Wolf, don't look at me as just a sheep, the grass is greener because of me, the sky is bluer because of me, the clouds are fluffier because of me..."

When the song ended, thunderous applause erupted.

"Amazing! What a wonderful voice!"

"Indeed, she's Joanna's daughter; like mother, like daughter!"

"Yes, yes, Joanna has raised her daughter well. The child is destined for great things!"

...

The kids in Sunflower Class always say I can't carry a tune and that I sing off-key. This was the first time so many people praised my singing, and I was so excited that I wanted to sing another song.

But then my mom intervened, "Sweetie, let Sylas take you outside to play. Mom will finish her business here soon, okay?"

Alright.

I pouted, reluctantly putting down the microphone, and took Sylas's hand, walking out of the suite. Oh right, Sylas is the young star who, as Faye whispered, was my mom's "friend." He's only ten years older than me, which Faye finds quite surprising!

Sylas took me to the neighboring suite. He was very skilled and even made me two pretty braids. I looked up at him, blinking my eyes, and asked, "Handsome brother, what's your relationship with my mom?"

He pinched my cheek and smiled gently, "Joanna is my boss and also my patron."

Patron? I don't quite understand what that means.

"So if my mom and dad get divorced, will you marry my mom?"

Sylas paused for a moment and then said softly, "If she's willing."

Uh-oh, suddenly he looked a bit like my dad to me, especially when he smiled, with those arched eyebrows and sparkling eyes.