My Ex-wife, My Destination

Luke’s P. O. V.

“Wow! You both look so good together,” Eva compliments when Hope shows her the dance video of Daisy and me.

We’re at Eva’s apartment. I brought Hope here from school.

“You know, Granny, Mommy and Daddy kissed each other on the lips,” Hope tells her, giggling as she sits in her lap.

I rub the back of my neck, blushing, as Eva stares at me in surprise. “Your relationship with Daisy is progressing so fast. I’m quite surprised.”

Before I can say anything, Hope clarifies, “When Mommy and Daddy were about to kiss my cheeks, I moved away. And then…”

Hope and Eva’s laughter fills the room, while I recall our last night kiss. Anyway, it wasn’t a kiss; it was just a quick peck which intensified my desire to taste her lips. Only I knew last night how I controlled myself from grabbing her hair and devouring her luscious lips.

***

“Daddy, let’s video call Mommy. Hope is missing her.” Hope requests, sitting in my lap, munching on her chocolate cookies while watching her rhymes on TV.

I miss Daisy too. At least because of Hope, I can see her.

A smile flashes on my face. “Okay, my princess.” I kiss her hair and pick up my phone to call Daisy.

Hope takes my phone and holds it in front of us. My smile widens as Daisy’s face appears on the screen. Her hair is tied up in a messy bun, and she is holding a mug of coffee in her hand.

“Hello, Hopi. Mommy was just about to call you,” she says after taking a sip of her coffee.

“Mommy, I miss you so much, and Daddy misses you too.” Daisy’s expression becomes stern as Hope talks about me.

“Did you have your lunch properly? And where is Granny?”

“Mommy, Granny has gone to her cafe. Daddy and I are watching rhymes.”

As they chat for a few minutes, I just admire Daisy, caressing Hope’s hair and kissing her head.

“Now, bye, Hopi.” She gives a flying kiss to Hope. “Mommy has to complete her work.”

“Ta-ta, Mommy. Hopi will miss you.” She pouts, waving at her. As Daisy is about to end the video call, she stops, listening to Hope’s words. “Mommy, Wait.”

“What happened?” Daisy’s brow narrows in confusion.

“Give a flying kiss to Daddy as well.” Our eyes widen slightly in surprise at Hope’s demand.

“Bye, Luke.” Daisy gives me a flying kiss and hangs up immediately. I just grin widely.

***

Eva and I settle down in the hall; she has just returned from the cafe. Hope is napping in the bedroom.

“Luke, I have a plan to bring Daisy closer to you,” she says, sipping her evening coffee. I’m so glad for her support in bringing Daisy back into my life.

“What?”

“For the next few days, just don’t come in front of Daisy.” As she suggests this, I freak out.

“What? No. I can’t stay away from her now.”

I’m dying to meet her, and she’s asking me to leave before she returns.

She places her hand on my arm. “Luke, let her miss you and give her some time to process what her heart truly wants.”

How can I stay away when all I want is to be with her?

I shake my head. “But Eva, I can’t do that. I’ve already lost so much time without her. I can’t bear the thought of staying away from her any longer. And what if she thinks I’ve lost interest or given up?” I ask her in a serious tone.

She sets her coffee cup down and looks at me with a reassuring smile. “Luke, sometimes absence can make the heart grow fonder. Trust me, Daisy needs time to sort through her feelings, and giving her space might be the best way to show her you respect her boundaries.”

Eva’s words make me realise that perhaps I’ve been too eager, too pushy in my attempts to mend things with Daisy. Maybe stepping back for a while is what she truly needs.

Reluctantly, I nod. “Okay, Eva. I’ll try it your way. But just for a few days.”

She pats my hand. “That’s all I’m asking, Luke. Give Daisy some breathing room, and I’m sure she’ll come around.”

I know she is right. But deep down, the thought of being away from Daisy feels like a punishment, and I can only hope that it’s worth it in the end.

***

Daisy’s P. O. V.

Three Days Later

I bring Hope back to my apartment from Eva’s place after work. On the way, she tells me about her day, how Daddy danced and played with her. I haven’t seen Luke since our dinner night. Deep inside, I miss him. And when Hope talks about him, I miss him even more.

Why is he not meeting me now? He was so adamant about mending things with me a few days ago. Suddenly, what happened to him?

Daisy, you asked him not to show his face to you. Maybe he is respecting your boundaries and giving you time.

But why do I care? It’s good he isn’t coming in front of me.

But I miss him.

Shit! What is happening to me?

“Mommy, where are you lost?” Hope shakes me, bringing me back to earth. I sit with her on the sofa.

“What happened, Hopi?” I ask, taking her on my lap.

She stares at me with her big blue eyes. “I forgot to tell you something important.”

“What?” I ask, gently brushing her hair away from her face.

“Daddy, Mommy, and Hopi are going on a vacation tonight.” As she informs me, her eyes glint with excitement, and I stare at her in shock.

“What? Where?”

“Daddy said it’s a surprise.” She comes out of my lap and starts dancing on the sofa beside me, squealing, “Wow! Hopi will go on holiday with Mommy and Daddy.”

Are we really going on a vacation this weekend?

Somewhere deep inside, my heart leaps with joy because I’ll finally be able to meet Luke again.

And I really need a break after a week of continuous work.

My phone rings, pulling me out of my thoughts. I grab it from the table while Hope runs around the entire apartment, squealing.

Laughing at her, I glance at the caller ID. It’s Luke.

I compose myself and answer, “Hello.”

“Hey, Daisy.” I hear him take a deep breath before continuing, “I just called to tell you about the two-day vacation.”

I also sigh, hearing his voice after three days. Hearing it, my longing to meet him intensifies.

What the fuck is happening to me?

“Hope has just informed me,” I reply, putting my feelings aside.

“I’m sorry that I planned it without asking you,” he explains. “Hope has two days off, so she pleaded with me to go out, and I couldn’t deny her.”

Will he just stop being so sweet? My heart is melting, and I don’t want it to.

“I understand. I know denying Hope is the most difficult thing.” Playing with my necklace, I answer him in a polite tone.

I can’t be rude to him forever. He’s part of Hope’s life now.

“So it means you have no problem with this trip?” He asks in a disbelieving tone.

Of course not. I really want to go on this trip. Yeah, it’ll be quite hard to resist you, but I’ll manage.

I answer him, “No. We’re going on this trip for Hope, right?”

“Yup. I’ll be there to pick you guys up in two hours.”

“But where are we going?” I inquire. “I have to pack accordingly.”

“It’s a warm destination, so pack light clothes. And don’t worry about anything else. Just be ready with Hope in two hours.”

“Okay.” I nod, even though he can’t see me.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“See you then,” he says before disconnecting the call.

As I put the phone back on the table, Hope runs to me.

“Let’s do the packing.” I rise from the sofa and lift her in my arms.

“Yeah! We’ll do the packing for the trip.” She raises both arms in the air, causing me to chuckle.