Chapter 1

Seven years after our divorce, I suddenly heard my ex-husband's voice inside my head.

[That car in front of me... it's Evelyn!]

[It really is her! How do I get her to stay?]

Right as the thought faded—BAM.

Julian's car gently tapped my rear bumper.

I didn't want anything to do with him anymore. I stepped out, took one look at the minor scratch, and said flatly, "It's barely a scratch. Let's just call the police and file through insurance."

Julian just stared at me, completely dazed. It took him several seconds to find his voice.

"I'm sorry. Total fault on my end. I'll call insurance right away."

He paused, his eyes searching mine. "Evelyn... can we exchange numbers? Just to make sorting this out easier."

The second I reached for my phone, Julian's raw thoughts exploded in my mind again:

[Don't leave.]

[Please.]

[I still love you... Can't you... give me one more chance?]

My hand froze. I shook my head and put my phone back. "No need. The insurance adjuster will reach out to you."

Julian blinked in disbelief. "You never used to turn me down."

I met his gaze and gave him a calm, distant reminder.

"Mr. Vance, we're divorced."

It had been seven years. I stopped loving him a lifetime ago.

Julian choked on my words.

His head dropped in defeat, totally lost for words.

After a heavy silence, he drew a deep breath, parting his lips to try again—

My phone shrieked from my pocket.

Seeing the caller ID flash Ms. Evans, my maternal instincts flared. My heart tightened as I hit accept.

"Daisy's mom? Daisy got into an altercation with a boy in class, and her face is scratched up! A few of the boys were teasing her, telling her she doesn't have a dad."

"She's completely hysterical right now. We're having a hard time calming her down..."

A fight?

She was hurt?

Panic seized my chest instantly. "What?!"

"Okay, I'm heading over right now. Please keep an eye on her until I get there!"

I hung up and glanced at my dented bumper. The cops and insurance weren't here yet. I couldn't drive this mess.

I whipped around toward Julian, my voice frantic.

"Give me your number! Fast!"

Julian was still trying to process what was happening. His confused thoughts echoed in my head:

[Who is Daisy?]

[Why is Evelyn this panicked? Is that... a pet's name?]

I frowned. What ridiculous nonsense was he thinking?

But I didn't have time to explain.

I stomped my foot in frustration, shouting, "Number! Now!"

Julian blurted out a string of digits on instinct.

I quickly dialed him, let it ring once, and hung up.

"That's my number. Handle the car with the insurance when they get here. We'll talk later."

"I have an emergency. I have to go!"

Without waiting for his answer, I turned on my heel and flagged down a taxi.

[This is great. I have Evelyn's number again.]

[She cares so much about Daisy. Maybe next time we meet, I should bring some treats for Daisy to get on her good side.]

[I just don't know if Daisy is a cat, a dog, or...]

Clutching his phone, Julian flagged down a cab for me while his mind raced.

I was too frantic to listen to the rest of his thoughts. I yanked the cab door open.

"Greenwood Elementary, please! Step on it!"

By the time I rushed into the school, Ms. Evans had mostly settled the situation.

A couple of little boys stood beside their parents with their heads hanging low. When the parents saw me walk in, looking embarrassed, they immediately pulled their kids forward to apologize.

"Ms. Moore, we're so incredibly sorry. Our boy was completely out of line. He was talking nonsense..."

"Yes, exactly. We've reprimanded them harshly, and we'll cover any medical bills, of course."

I didn't have the bandwidth for polite pleasantries. I rushed past them and swept Daisy into my arms, murmuring softly, "Baby, don't cry."

"Mommy's here. I've got you."

I inspected her cheek carefully.

Thank god. It was just a small scrape. The skin was barely broken.

Seeing that the parents were genuinely apologetic and the boys looked terrified, I didn't want to make a scene. After a firm warning, I carried a softly sobbing Daisy out of the office.

Back home, I gently wiped her tear-streaked face with a warm washcloth.

She kept her chin tucked against her chest, her little spirits crushed.

My heart ached. I asked gently, "Daisy, tell Mommy what happened today."

"Mommy won't be mad at you."

Daisy's lower lip quivered, and fresh tears spilled over.

"Mommy, the school sports day is next week. But everyone laughed at me and called me a stray kid without a dad... Tyler told everyone that since I don't have a dad, I'll definitely finish in last place."

Her tiny fingers gripped mine tight. She looked up at me with wet, pleading eyes.

"Mommy, you said I have a daddy."

"When... when do I finally get to meet him?"