Chapter 4

It wasn't just the doll that got crushed; it was Lucy's heart, too.

Seeing Lucy in tears tore at my heart; it hurt so much that I could barely breathe.

I hugged her close, holding her tightly in my arms.

I said, "It's okay, honey. I will clean it, and once it's all washed up, it'll be just like before."

Lucy bit her lip and just stared at her doll in silence, not saying a word.

Just then, Emily and Charles came out of the bathroom.

Emily gave an apologetic smile and said, "I'm really sorry, I accidentally spilled some hot water. Lucy, did any get on you? Are you hurt?"

Charles's face instantly turned pale as he realized what had happened. He asked, "Lucy, are you alright?"

I snapped, "If something had really happened to Lucy, it'd be too late for you to start caring now." My gaze swept over them and added, "You can care about whoever you want, but Lucy is your daughter. Don't play favorites."

Charles looked at me, his brows furrowing even deeper.

"I'm fine, Daddy," Lucy said with a bright smile, tugging at my sleeve. She said, "I'm a little hungry, Mommy. Can we eat now?"

Feeling a bit guilty, Charles scooped Lucy up and brought her over to the table.

Lucy was over the moon.

Everything on the table was food Lucy and I loved, leaving Emily looking lost and unsure what to choose.

Charles couldn't help but say, "Sophia, Emily's allergic to eggs and potatoes, and she doesn't eat spicy or sour food. Can you whip up a couple more dishes for her?"

Back then, I'd always just do as he asked, and the dishes on the table were mostly what he and Lucy liked best.

But now, I picked up some eggs and put them on Lucy's plate, giving Charles a dismissive look.

I said, "There's nothing left in the fridge. There are canned green beans in the kitchen. She'll have to settle for that."

Charles's face darkened, but Emily quickly jumped in.

She said, "It's fine, Charles. I was just here for a free meal anyway. No way I'd trouble Sophia to cook something special just for me."

I pretended not to hear the bit of sarcasm in her voice and turned to Charles.

I asked, "Tomorrow's Christmas. You promised Lucy you'd take her to Lakeview to see the fireworks. Did you book the flights yet?"

Lucy instantly looked up at Charles, her face a mix of nerves and excitement.

Charles froze for a second before saying, "Not yet. I've just had a lot going on lately."

Lucy's hopeful gaze faded, but then Charles quickly added, "I'll book the tickets after dinner. We'll pack up tonight, head out early tomorrow, and get there by noon. We'll make it for the fireworks show."

Lucy's eyes sparkled with joy as she leaned in and whispered excitedly in my ear.

She said, "Mom, I knew Daddy still loves me. He was just busy, that's all. We're really going to see the fireworks with him."