Chapter 2

In long-term relationships, lots of couples toss around the idea of splitting up now and then. But in the ten years I'd been with Fred, I'd never once mentioned it. I treasured our love and respected his feelings too.

No matter how rough things got, I wasn't one to quit easily.

But if I finally voiced that I was leaving, it meant I'd truly decided for good.

Once I'd cleared away the shattered glass from the floor, I printed out the divorce agreement and carefully packed my clothes, item by item.

By the time I was done, daylight had crept in.

At some point, my daughter Valeria Hubbard had woken up. Spotting me hauling a massive suitcase, she cocked her head, looking confused.

"Mommy, where are you going?"

I knelt down and softly ruffled her hair. "Sweetheart, Mommy has to go abroad for work. Want to come along?"

"Wherever you go, I'll follow."

Valeria bobbed her head eagerly, then asked, "What about Daddy?"

I managed a wry smile. "Daddy doesn't care for us. He won't be joining. We probably won't live with him anymore."

In his diary, he'd summed me up as: [Good for bearing children and managing the home.]

To him, I was nothing more than a means to produce heirs.

Valeria deserved his love, but all these years, he'd kept us at arm's length.

If he'd shown even a shred more concern for the two of us, I never would've pushed for divorce.

Valeria's small face went rigid at my words. She bowed her head and muttered softly.

"I know you're not happy with Daddy, Mommy. But the other day, he said I earned the most points in class. He promised to take me to Disneyland and buy me tons of pretty princess dresses.

"Mommy, this is the first time Daddy's ever offered to take me somewhere that fun. Can we hold off leaving until after we go to Disneyland with him? Pretty please?"

The hopeful sparkle in her eyes made me pause. I was tempted to warn her that Fred had likely forgotten the promise already.

In the business world, Fred was all about keeping his word—decisive and reliable with outsiders. But with his own wife and daughter? He flaked out time after time.

Still, in the end, I caved to her plea.

I'd given up hoping for anything from him long ago, but she still craved those rare moments with Fred.

Fred, consider this your final shot—from your daughter.

If you blew it again, I'd have no choice but to take her and walk away for good.

We'd never see each other again in this lifetime.

As lunch was ready, I set the dishes on the table just as the doorbell rang.

"That must be Daddy!" Valeria squealed, racing over to yank open the door.

A second later, I heard Fred's voice. "Valeria, say hi to Dianne."

Valeria paused, obviously surprised that Fred had company.

"Dianne."

I glanced up and spotted a young woman in the doorway, looking all fragile and endearing next to Fred.

It was Dianne. She batted her eyes at us. "Fred asked me to join for lunch. Hope that's okay with you, Nora?"

Fred jumped in before I could respond. "It's nothing. She doesn't mind."

Without waiting, he guided Dianne straight into the living room.

The whole time, he didn't so much as look my way.

I couldn't tell if this was his usual indifference or if he was still mad about the cold shoulder I'd given him yesterday.

Valeria trotted after them, sheet music in hand, and planted herself by the sofa, staring up at Fred with eager eyes.

"Daddy, I learned a new piano song. Can I play it for you?"

Fred tousled her hair with a fond smile. "Sure thing."

Beaming, Valeria arranged the music on the stand, but Dianne sidled up. "Oh, I know this one from way back. Hey, kiddo, how about we play it together as a duet for your dad?"

Valeria frowned, but before she could object, Dianne eagerly plunked down on the bench, bumping her out of the way with her hip.