Chapter 9

Adelle POV

I collapsed onto the sofa, closing my eyes, wishing for the blessed blankness of oblivion. Death, in that moment, felt like a welcoming embrace, a release from the relentless pain, both physical and emotional.

"Mommy!" Daisy' s cheerful voice, a sunbeam piercing the clouds, startled me. She ran to me, wrapping her small arms around my neck. "Are you asleep? No more fighting with Daddy, okay? He' s very loud." Her voice was soft, fragile. "I don' t like it when Mr. Preston yells."

Mr. Preston. Not Daddy. A new, sharp pain pierced my chest. She was already distancing herself, building walls to protect her small heart. She had called him "Mr. Preston." It was a testament to his neglect, the chasm he had created between them.

"No, sweetie," I whispered, pulling her closer. "No more fighting. Mommy promises." My eyes welled up again. I picked her up, settling her gently beside me on the sofa. Tears, hot and silent, streamed down my face.

Just then, my phone rang, startling me. I fumbled for it, my hands shaking. Jeannie Santana. My best friend from college. A high-profile divorce attorney. A fierce, loyal ally. A tiny spark of hope flickered.

I quickly wiped my face, pushing Daisy gently away so I could compose myself. "Can you sit here for a moment, sweetie? Mommy needs to take this." I answered the video call, forcing a smile.

"Jeannie! Hey." My voice was still thick, but I tried to sound normal. "What' s up?"

Jeannie' s face, usually so composed, was etched with concern. "Adelle! Oh my God, I' m so sorry! Daisy' s birthday! I completely forgot, I had a court case run late, and then... oh, I' m the worst friend ever!" Her voice was filled with genuine remorse. "How was it, sweetie? How' s Daisy? Did she like her gifts?"

I forced another smile. "It was... quiet. Daisy liked her gifts, of course." I glanced at Daisy, who was waving shyly at the screen. "Say hello to Auntie Jeannie, sweetie."

"Hi, Auntie Jeannie!" Daisy chirped, her small face lighting up.

Jeannie beamed. "My little princess! Look at you, all grown up! I promise I' ll make it up to you, sweetie. I sent some gifts, did you get them? And I' ll be there for your school' s parent-child sports day next week. I wouldn' t miss it for the world!"

Daisy gasped, her eyes wide with excitement. "Really? You' ll come?"

A small, unfamiliar warmth spread through my chest. Jeannie. She was my rock, my anchor in this storm. Even when I had pushed everyone away, she remained.

But then, a familiar chill crept in. Sports day. Carter would be there. What if he tried to hurt Daisy again? What if he made a scene? I quickly pushed the thought away. Jeannie wouldn' t let him.

"Thank you, Jeannie," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "That means... everything."

The call ended. The warmth faded, replaced by the heavy weight of reality. The painkillers were starting to numb the physical pain, but the agony in my heart remained, sharp and relentless. My poor Daisy. To be so innocent, so deserving of love, and to be so utterly abandoned by her own father, by her own family.

Daisy snuggled closer, her head resting on my chest. "I love you, Mommy."

I hugged her tighter, burying my face in her hair, inhaling her sweet, innocent scent. "I love you more than anything, my sweet girl." And in that moment, a fierce, unwavering vow solidified in my heart. I had limited time left. But every single second of it would be dedicated to her. I would be her mother, her father, her protector, her entire world. I would ensure she was loved, cherished, and safe, no matter the cost to me.

The next morning, true to her word, Jeannie arrived. She didn' t even stop at my apartment. She went straight to Daisy' s school. She was already there when I arrived with Daisy.