Dani’s mind raced as she knelt beside Ellie, gently stroking her hair. “What do you mean, sweetheart?” she asked softly, trying to keep her voice calm despite the panic bubbling up inside her.
Ellie hiccupped through her tears, “Daddy told Miss Allen that she would be my new mommy soon. He said… he said it when he picked me up from school.”
Dani felt as though the ground had disappeared beneath her. Her chest tightened as she struggled to process what her daughter had just said. “Are you sure, Ellie? Maybe you misunderstood,” she whispered, even though her heart told her that Ellie’s words were too clear, too painful to be a simple misunderstanding.
Ellie nodded vigorously, wiping her tears on her sleeve. “I heard him, Mommy. He was smiling when he said it. I don’t want her… I just want you.”
Dani held her daughter close, feeling Ellie’s small body tremble against hers. She tried to blink back the tears that were threatening to fall, but it was no use. The hurt, betrayal, and confusion washed over her all at once.
She knew Nathan had grown distant, but she never imagined this. Her mind flashed back to all the moments he’d criticized her, the coldness in his eyes that she had tried to ignore. Was it because of Miss Allen? Had he already moved on, planning a future that didn’t include her?
Dani’s thoughts spiraled as she clung to Ellie, searching for strength. But deep down, she realized something—this wasn’t just about Nathan anymore. It was about protecting Ellie and herself. This wasn’t the life she wanted for her daughter, and she wouldn’t let anyone take away her role as Ellie’s mother.
Clearing her throat, Dani gently pulled back and looked into Ellie’s tear-filled eyes. “Listen to me, honey. I’m your mom, and I always will be. No one can ever change that, okay? No matter what happens, I’m here for you.”
Ellie nodded, sniffling. Dani kissed her forehead and stood up, determination hardening in her heart. She needed to talk to Nathan—really talk. And if the truth was as devastating as it seemed, she had to prepare herself for whatever came next.
Her marriage might be broken beyond repair, but she refused to let her daughter be caught in the crossfire of Nathan’s selfish choices.
