My Ex-wife, My Destination

Luke’s P. O. V.

I close the soundproof partition of the car, separating us from the driver’s seat because I want to converse with Daisy. I’m dropping Hope and Daisy off at their home. Daisy’s gaze is fixed on the window.

When I offered them a ride, Daisy initially refused, but Hope persuaded her in the end. As we settled into the backseat, Hope dozed off within a few minutes in Daisy’s arms.

“Daisy,” I call her, but she doesn’t respond. She just keeps looking outside, completely ignoring me. However, I continue, “I know your anger, your hatred, everything is justified. But think about Hope. She is so happy to have her father. At least for her, let me-” I pause as she turns her face towards me and shoots me a glare.

“Just stop it, Luke,” she snaps at me. “I’m keeping you away from us, for Hope’s sake. You can hurt her in the future. I’m afraid of you.”

Hurt Hope? I could never do that, not even in my dreams.

“What are you saying, Daisy?” I stare at her in shock. “Hope is my daughter. How can you even think that?”

“I’m saying that I can’t trust you, Luke. Not after the way you’ve treated me.”

I feel a pang of guilt at her words, knowing that she’s right to feel the way she does. I’ve made mistakes in the past, and I’ve hurt her more times than I can count. But I would never hurt Hope.

“Please, I beg you, stay out of our lives, Luke. Please.” She gives me a pleading look before fixing her gaze outside again.

I stare at Hope, my heart aching. Daisy is getting hurt more because of me, and I don’t want that, but how can I keep myself away from Hope?

As Daisy’s phone dings, she takes it out of her handbag. Her brows furrow in tension after reading something on it. She puts the phone back into her bag and rests her head against the seat, closing her eyes.

Whatever message she received seems to have disturbed her deeply, and I feel a twinge of concern for her.

“Daisy, is everything okay?” I drawl, placing my hand on her arm. She flinches at my touch, pulling away slightly, but doesn’t open her eyes or respond to my question.

I don’t know what I should do. I want to know what’s bothering her because I need to be there for her now more than ever.

After taking a deep breath, I lean closer to her and whisper, “Daisy, please tell me what happened.”

“Luke, I don’t need your fake concern,” she implores without opening her eyes, “So please… just stop it.”

I know no matter how much I explain I care about her, she won’t believe me right now. So I pull away from her and sink back into my seat, praying that whatever is bothering her will pass quickly.

***

Daisy’s P. O. V.

I stand by the window, lost in my thoughts, staring outside aimlessly. It’s nighttime, and Hope has fallen asleep.

My heart is shattering because I feel like Luke is already taking my daughter away from me. I can’t bear to see my Hopi getting attached to Luke. Every time she mentions Luke or expresses her desire to see him, it feels like a knife twisting in my heart. I know deep down that Luke is her father, but the fear of losing her to him drives me insane.

When we were returning home from Luna Park, I received a job offer letter for the position I interviewed for a few days ago. I have to start tomorrow. Working as an editor in a publishing company has always been my dream job, but it stresses me out.

I can’t leave Hope alone right now. Luke could take advantage and get closer to Hope in my absence. I’m so baffled. I need this job to give Hope the best life and secure her future.

What should I do? Why, Luke, why did you have to enter our lives?

***

“Mommy, please don’t do this. Hopi will miss you so much. Don’t go to work.” Hope pouts sadly when I tell her about my new job while getting her ready for school. I also explain that I’ll see her in the evening and she’ll stay with Aunt Eva, whom she calls Granny.

Last night, I had to take sleeping pills because I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Hope alone, but the need for the job weighed heavily on my mind.

“Baby, Mommy has to do this. Only then can Mommy bring lots of toys for her princess.” I explain, combing her hair and looking at her through the mirror. She is seated on the stool and I stand behind her. I can see the sorrow in her eyes, and it breaks my heart to know that I’ll be away from her for most of the day.

“Hopi wants Mommy more than toys.” She gives me a pleading look as I tuck her hair into a ponytail before securing it with hairpins.

“I know, Hopi. But the job is important for Mommy.” I lean in and place a kiss on the top of her head. I wish I could stay with her all day, but joining the job is crucial right now.

“Okay, Mommy.” She stands on the stool and hugs me. “Hopi will miss you a lot.”

“Mommy will miss you too, princess.” I embrace her, a bit taken aback by how easily she understands the situation. I thought it would be quite hard to explain to her.

***

Hope’s P. O. V.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

When Mommy goes to the washroom after making me ready for school, I immediately pick up her phone from the table. I search for Daddy’s photo on WhatsApp, scrolling down. My eyes sparkle with excitement when I finally find it.

“My Daddy is so handsome!” I giggle, seeing his photo.

Today, at school, I’ll tell all my friends that Hope finally got her daddy.

Yippee!

Yesterday was my best day. Mommy, Hope, and Daddy, we all enjoyed Luna Park together like a happy family. Like Mommy, my daddy is the best in the entire world. He is my superhero. Hope loves spending time with him.

“Daddy, please meet Hopi after school. I have to tell you something. Now bye, Daddy. Hope is getting late for school.” After sending him the voice message, I put the phone back on the table.

When Mommy told me about her new job, I became so upset. I was just about to cry loudly to stop mommy from going to work, but then I remembered how sad she was yesterday. That’s why I didn’t want to make her sadder by crying. Mommy always says that she wants to make her Hopi happy. So, I decided to be brave and let mommy go to her job. But deep down, I’m going to miss her so much.