birthday hat on Leo's head. He looke

pea?" I asked, forcing a smile

ered, "I wished for you to always b

mory, the one that solidified everything. I would never forget this pure, raw wish. And I wou

back, kissing the top of his

gifts. Holden's name wasn't mentioned once. It was just us. And for the first time in a long time,

o a birthday celebrated without a father. I picked up the thick manila envelope I had hidden beneath a stack of old magazines. Inside were the divorce papers, neatly printed, si

of the front door. Ho

gne clinging to him. His eyes, tired and shadowed, landed on the deflated balloons, the half-e

sorry, Adriana. The gala ran late, then Kassidy needed a ride

Holden. Leo had a wonderful time." The words

Again. I promise, I'll make it up to him. To both of you." His eyes shifted to min

lmost detached. I picked up the manila envelo

n at my face, confusion cloudi

olding firm. "A partnership dissolution agreement

're married. We have Leo." He took a step closer, his eyes na

erced the silence. He glanced down, his expression still

answered, irritation clear in

h my God, it's a disaster! My apartment building, there was a pipe burst, water everywh

concern. "Kassidy, calm down. Where are you? Are you safe? I'll be right the

ers, Holden," I said, my v

nd, scribbled his signature across the bottom without even glancing at the contents, and tossed i

e door in a flash, the sound of his car sp

ed gently, a silent, mocking farewell. He had chosen. He had chosen Kassidy. He had chosen his carefully constr