Chapter 1

I texted Tristan ten times on Christmas Eve. Every single one was left on read.

Then I saw the Facebook feed of that girl "friend" of his, and there he was, right in the middle of the photos.

She wrote: [Wow, midnight hits, and he's already handing me a gift with its own little box and bow. This guy literally spoils me like a child. Not gonna get all sappy but like... Best friends for life, Tristan!]

A minute later, a comment from him popped up: [You've always been a kid.]

I scrolled through their back-and-forth, and suddenly it all felt so meaningless.

I didn't throw a fit like I used to. I texted him calmly.

I said: [Bella and I are heading to bed. No need to rush back.]

After that night, I stopped asking about his life and stopped making meals I didn't even like just because he was picky. And I no longer begged him to show up for family night with our daughter.

He thought I was playing games to get his attention.

Then one day, his "friend" mentioned the guest room felt too cold, too empty.

I, being the considerate one, offered her our bedroom without hesitating.

That was when he finally sensed something was off.

"Her place has a leak," he explained. "She's leaving first thing tomorrow.

"How about we take Bella to Disneyland?

"I'll spend more time with you and Bella. I mean it."

I smiled, but didn't say a word.

In my life from now on, there was no room for him.

*****

When my husband, Tristan Lloyd, got home, I had just finished giving our daughter, Bella, her night bottle.

He crouched down next to me and pulled a small stuffed animal from behind his back, waving it in front of her.

"Look what Daddy got you. Merry Christmas, baby," he said.

Bella grinned and reached out with her tiny, unsteady hands.

Right before she touched it, I shoved Tristan's hand away.

He stumbled back onto the floor and stared at me in shock.

I gave him an apologetic look.

"It needs to be washed before she can play it," I explained.

He frowned, watched me for a second, then clapped his hands and stood up.

He said, "I rushed back and didn't have time to grab something special for her. I'll make it up tomorrow.

"I didn't make it back tonight because Sophie almost set her kitchen on fire. You know how clumsy she is. She's living alone now, so I had to help her."

I wiped a bit of drool off Bella's chin and nodded.

I said, "It's fine. I get it."

I didn't ask why Sophie James got a gift with the pretty wrapping while Bella got a stuffed animal that he probably randomly picked somewhere on the way home.

The room went quiet. Tristan reached out to ruffle my hair.

I instinctively pulled back.

Tristan said, absolutely certain, "You're mad. I knew it.

"Calm down. I promise I'll be home for you and Bella next time."

He flashed that knowing smile, the one that said he was sure I was jealous and mad like before.

Bella was about to fall asleep, and I didn't want to argue.

So I nodded and went along with it.

I said, "It's okay if you can't be here. Sophie's safety comes first."

As soon as I said it, he frowned a little, and I immediately regretted it.

I could tell he probably thought I was being sarcastic again.

But I really wasn't mad.

It wasn't worth it.

Between Sophie and me, it was never a question. Tristan would always pick her.

He did so when we were hosting a sip and see.

I got into it with Sophie because of him.

She spilled wine on Bella. Some got into Bella's mouth, and she almost choked.

That was when Sophie had one of her episodes.

She completely lost it. Only Tristan could calm her down.

I begged him to drive Bella and me to the hospital.

But he shut me down with a cold look.

"Elaine, for me, Sophie's safety comes first," he said.

Bella ended up in the hospital for a whole week.

After that, I became super careful about everything that went near her mouth.

And that whole mess taught me one thing for sure.

I should never go up against Sophie. It was pointless.