The Art of Unloving Him

A long silence filled the room.

Graham noticed the redness in Josie's eyes and, for some reason, it unsettled him.

He placed the rabbit plush on Kira's desk. Then, turning to Josie, he said, "This was my fault. I owe Kira an apology. If there's anything she wants in the future, just let me know."

Josie's heart trembled.

She had long since given up on Graham. But as a mother… she still wanted her child to have a happy birthday.

She called after him before he could leave. "If you really feel sorry, then just spend tomorrow with Kira. You know how much she's always wanted to be close to you."

He paused at the doorway.

After a long moment, he agreed. "Alright."

Josie let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

At least, just for a while, Kira could feel a little happiness.

…

The next morning, Kira woke early and waited eagerly in the living room, her eyes full of anticipation.

"When is Mr. Holloway taking me to the amusement park?" she asked, clutching her little backpack.

Children were easy to please. Just one trip to the amusement park was enough to make them forget all the past disappointments.

But noon came and went, and there was still no sign of Graham.

Call after call went unanswered.

The light in Kira's eyes dimmed by degrees—expectation giving way to disappointment, sadness, then a smile that was far too composed for someone her age.

"It's okay," she said softly. "Mom, let's go on our own."

Josie's heart ached as she looked at her daughter.

Even if he didn't show, she had already decided—she would give Kira a joyful day, no matter what.

But just as they arrived at the amusement park, a familiar voice rang out behind them.

"Do you want orange-flavored candy, or apple?"

Josie froze. Slowly, she turned around.

And there was Graham, standing at a stall, gently cradling Cami in his arms, asking which flavor she liked best.

Kira's eyes instantly welled with tears. Her lips quivered as she bit down hard, trying to stay quiet.

Josie could barely believe what she was seeing.

When Graham noticed them, his expression shifted abruptly.

He quickly handed Cami to the nanny and strode over, grabbing Josie by the arm and pulling her aside.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded, voice cold and full of contempt, like she was some stain he couldn't wash away.

Josie held back her tears. "Do you even remember what day it is?"

He scowled, convinced she was just stirring up trouble.

He had warned her not to appear in front of Allison with Kira. And now she had the nerve to show up here, of all places?

"I don't care what day it is," he said sharply. "Just leave. Now."

With that, he took her wrist and began dragging her toward the exit.

But before they could get far, a familiar voice interrupted. "Graham?"

He froze instantly.

Letting go of Josie, he cast her a warning glance before turning back with feigned ease.

Allison approached with Cami in tow, her gaze briefly flicking toward Josie, sharp and knowing.

"Well, if it isn't Kira's mother. What a coincidence. Did you come to play, too?"

Graham's eyes burned into Josie's face, as if daring her to say something she'd regret.

Josie gave him a bitter smile. "Yes. It's my daughter's birthday."

Graham's face stiffened.

Only then did he remember—he had promised to spend today with Kira. So this wasn't her showing up to make a scene. She had brought their daughter here to celebrate her birthday.

A flicker of unease passed through his eyes. He looked down at Kira—her eyes red, her small body trembling.

Something inside him cracked.

Allison, catching the moment, smiled sweetly and took his arm. "Well, what a coincidence. It's also Cami's birthday today. Graham even reserved the entire restaurant at a hotel to celebrate Cami's birthday."

Josie laughed softly, the sound hollow and full of irony.

So that was why he hadn't shown up.

He hadn't forgotten—he had simply chosen to celebrate someone else's birthday instead.

To him, Kira meant nothing.

There was no longer any reason to stay.

Josie took Kira's hand and turned to leave.

But just then, Allison made a suggestion. "Since Kira and Cami are classmates, and we happened to run into each other today, why not celebrate the girls' birthday together?"