He Chose Her, I Left with My Daughter

Before, I'd do it, always making what they liked. Now, I just picked up some fried eggs for Evie and shrugged. "Out of ingredients. There's salad in the kitchen. She can have that."

Connor was not happy to hear that, but Ashley quickly chimed in, "It's fine. I'm just here for a free meal. Can't trouble Daisy to cook something special for me."

I ignored Ashley's snarky tone and turned to Connor. "You promised to take Evie to Disneyland. Got the tickets yet?"

Evie's eyes lit up, nervous and excited. Connor tensed, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the armrest. "Not yet. Work's been crazy."

Her excitement faded, but he added, "I'll get them after lunch. Pack tonight. We'll head out early tomorrow morning. Plenty of time to play."

Evie beamed, whispering to me, "Dad loves me. He was just too busy. We're going to Disneyland together!"

I ruffled her hair, feeling a mix of emotions. Connor had ditched us too many times. If he bailed again, it would crush her.

Ashley smiled with feigned surprise. "Disneyland's a blast. Connor and I went last year, hit all the big rides, and even caught that stunning castle light show. It was packed, and the lines were insane. You guys..."

She paused deliberately, then added apologetically, "Sorry, I said too much. Have fun."

Her bragging was obvious, basically rubbing in that she got more of Connor's attention than us. It didn't bug me, but Evie went quiet, poking at her food.

Connor saw Ashley off after dinner, then came back to help with the dishes, which was rare for him.

"I've been swamped lately," he muttered. "Totally spaced on the tickets. Let's plan it out for a great trip."

I hummed, and he added, "Good thing the cut isn't deep. Next time, I'll check on Evie first."

Too bad for him, there was no next time. I'd divorce him at the beginning of next year.

Thinking of how he fussed over Ashley and that journal, I asked, "If you care about her so much, why marry me?"

His face clouded over. "You and Evie have lived off me all these years. Why get jealous every time Ashley comes up? Grow up."

He tossed the gloves and dish into the sink, storming off. I was speechless. I had given him a chance to come clean, but he wouldn't admit his feelings, ruining lives without a shred of guilt.

The clean house, hot meals, and well-behaved daughter all required effort. But he acted superior, expecting me to cling and please him.

Once the dishes were done, I stepped out to see them packing.

"A week's trip: At least two outfits each, extras for Evie..." he muttered, mapping out plans and checklists.

Evie buzzed nearby, her excitement uncontainable. He gently ruffled her hair, asking if she wanted to bring toys.

I was surprised by how reliable he was this time. He was seriously preparing for the trip and discussing rides with her.

For once, he acted like a real dad, and I felt happy for Evie.

The next day, we were ready to head out, but Connor put on his coat to leave alone. I frowned, asking, "Where are you heading? It's Disneyland time."