My Ex-wife, My Destination

Daisy’s P. O. V.

As I enter my room, the sight before me brings tears to my eyes. Hope and Luke are sleeping, with Hope lying on top of him. It seems like a dream. After the way Luke threw me out of his life, I never thought I would ever witness this moment.

However, deep inside, I always longed for it. I truly wanted my daughter to experience a father’s love. Thank God, Aunt made me understand, and I didn’t make the mistake of keeping them apart.

I was furious when Aunt told me that Luke took Hope to my apartment when I clearly instructed him to leave before I returned. But all my anger disappears as I witness the sight before me.

I take my phone out of my handbag and capture this blissful moment with a smile on my face.

After approaching them, I put the comforter over them and lean in to give a peck on Hope’s forehead. I stand up, controlling the urge to kiss Luke’s forehead.

I truly hate the fact that I’m still drawn to Luke. After all these years, he still has the power to drive me insane and ignite desire inside me. Why can’t I just hate this man? I should despise him. He cheated on me, never valued my love, and most importantly, he treated me like a slave.

After pushing my emotions aside, I turn around and notice so many shopping bags. I gasp, placing my hand on my mouth. It seems like they have purchased the entire store.

I shake my head and head to the washroom to freshen up.

When I return, I find Luke sitting on the bed beside Hope, stroking her hair and his eyes filled with affection fixed on our daughter.

As he notices me, he rises from the bed. “I’m sorry. I wanted to leave before you returned, but Hope wanted to-”

“I don’t want your explanation. Tell me, what’s this?” I ask in a stern tone, pointing at the shopping bags.

He answers, “I took our daughter shopping today.”

“Stop spoiling her, Luke.” I stand, folding my arms across my chest and glaring at him. “Don’t get her accustomed to these things because who knows, after some time, you might leave.” My voice cracks at the end.

Don’t cry, Daisy. Just don’t.

I try hard to compose myself because I don’t want to fall weak in front of him.

“I won’t go anywhere.” He steps closer to me and whispers, “Because you’re my destination, butterfly.”

For once, I felt like believing his words because I could see honesty in his oceanic blue eyes.

But then his harsh words echo in my ears.

“You were never my wife, Daisy. You were just a worthless piece of trash that I’m throwing away.”

Tears trickle down my cheeks.

Traitors!

He said those words to me five years ago, but every time I recall them, they make me cry. And I can never forget those words.

As he raises his hand to wipe my tears, I step back. “Don’t.” I wipe away my tears, shooting daggers at him. “Don’t you dare touch me or come close to me. Did you forget I was just a worthless piece of trash to you?” His eyes fill with guilt as I speak.

“Daisy, you weren’t-”

I cut his words. “But you made me feel like that every day, Luke.” A sob escapes my mouth. “I never gave up on you, but then you…”

You cheated on me.

“I’m sorry, Daisy. I had my reasons-”

“Please, Luke. Just leave. I can’t stand it. Your presence suffocates me.” I gesture for him to leave.

“Daisy, I can’t leave.” My brows furrow as he refuses to go, shaking his head.

“Why?” My frown deepens.

“I promised Hope I’d leave after she wakes up.” He replies, glancing at Hope.

I snap at him, “Then just get out of this room.”

After staring at me for a few seconds, he turns to leave.

He stops at the door and turns his head towards me. “Daisy, I know whatever I say, you won’t believe me. But I have changed, and now I’m willing to wait for you until my last breath.” He says this and exits the room, shutting the door behind him.

I lie down on the bed and hug Hope closer to my chest, shedding silent tears. I wish things were simpler, that I could just forget the pain of the past and move on with my life.

But one thing I’m certain about is that I’ll never give my heart to Luke again.

After a few minutes, Hope wakes up and asks in a sleepy tone, “Mommy, you came?”

“Yes, Mommy is back, princess.” I kiss her forehead, caressing her hair.

She sits up in bed, rubbing her eyes, and tells me about her day. “Mommy, Hopi did a lot of shopping today with Daddy. He helped me pick out dresses for you as well. Daddy is so nice, isn’t he, Mommy?” As she asks, I just give her a slight nod.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

I just pray Luke never breaks Hope’s heart.

“Mommy, where is Daddy?”

“He’s outside,” I answer, tucking her messy hair behind her ears properly.

Her eyes sparkle with excitement as she tells me, “Mommy, I bought a dress like mine for you. Let’s wear it and surprise Daddy.”

I really don’t want to deny her. But I don’t want to wear anything that Luke has bought for me.

“Hopi, Mommy is tired. Please, some other day.” I request, giving her a pleading look.

“No, let’s wear it now. It’ll take only a few minutes. Please, Mommy, please.” She implores, batting her eyelashes, and I give in as always.

“Fine.” As I agree, her eyes gleam with delight, and she bounces on the bed, causing me to chuckle.

I can do anything for the happiness of my Hopi.

***

“Wow, Mommy, you look so pretty.” Hope praises as I emerge from the bathroom, wearing the dress that matches Hope’s. It’s a black, one-shoulder dress, reaching our mid-thighs.

I’m surprised that Luke knows my size. It fits me perfectly.

I approach Hope and hold her in my arms. “You look even prettier than Mommy.” I nuzzle my nose against hers, causing her to giggle.

“Let’s go outside and ask Daddy, who looks prettier, Hopi or Mommy?” As she suggests, her eyes sparkle with enthusiasm.

I nod and step out of the room, bracing myself to face Luke again. It’s a hard task for me, not because I despise him. The reason is that I still can’t resist him, and I hate this. Deep down, my heart is melting, but I don’t want it to happen.