to vacate the small condo I lived in with Lily. It was a property owned by a Thompson family holding company. A place

clutched in my hand. I wasn't going to let them kick

foyer. She was dressed impeccably,

you wan

ction notice. "You can't do this.

avid has a new life now. With Chloe. A respectable life. You and tha

can you be so cruel? You never once called, never once asked if she w

ered, her voice like ice. "You were happy enoug

David and Chloe walked in, hand in hand. Chloe was wearing a flow

" David asked, his eyes landing o

ut the condo. It's just a formality, I'm sure. We can help you find a lovely new apartme

is mother's open hostility. It was designed

wor

nice to you. Why are you causing a scene and

"You want to know what's upsetting? My daughter, your daughter, has a heart condition! She

shaking fing

olling down her cheek. "

de was a tiny photograph of her and David, laughing on a beach. The date stamp in the corner was from

relationship wasn't new. Mine h

f my lungs. All this time, I was the

h smug satisfaction. "He was always meant to be wit

cket, a confused look on his face. He seemed t

ly, "tell this woman to leave.

y once more. The flicker of confusion w

cally destroyed my life. I felt a strange calm settle ove

I don't want your help. I don't want anything from any of you. As of t

ned t

" Davi

ut didn't t

, the name sounding foreign on his

e had erased us from his mind. I didn't answer. I just walked

she slept in our half-packed apartment. She

you sad?" sh

ie. Mommy'

warm breath on my cheek

estion was a bl

rehead. "He's not. But it's okay.

r, the fierce, protective love for my daughte