Forgive Me, My Love

Chapter 11: Emma's First Weekend With Dad

Saturday. 6 PM.

Aria dropped Emma off at Damian's condo. Her hands were shaking.

"This is just for the weekend," Aria said. "I'll pick her up Sunday 6 PM."

Damian nodded. "I promise I'll take good care of her."

Emma looked nervous. "Mommy, are you leaving?"

Aria crouched down. "Just for 2 days, anak. Have fun with daddy, okay?"

Emma hugged Aria tight. "Okay."

As Aria drove away, she cried.

At Damian's condo, Emma was quiet.

"Are you hungry, baby?" Damian asked.

Emma nodded. "Can we make pancakes?"

Damian smiled. "Yeah. Like I used to make for your mom."

They cooked together. Flour everywhere. Emma was laughing.

That night, Emma couldn't sleep. "I miss mommy."

Damian sat beside her bed. "She misses you too. But you're safe here with me."

Emma grabbed his hand. "Will you stay until I sleep?"

Damian's heart melted. "Of course."

He stayed until Emma fell asleep. Holding her tiny hand.

For the first time in 3 years, Damian felt like a real dad.

And he was terrified of losing it again.

They cooked together. Flour everywhere. Emma was laughing.

"Like this, daddy?" Emma asked, holding up a messy pancake.

Damian laughed for the first time in years. "Perfect, baby."

After dinner, they watched cartoons on the couch. Emma fell asleep on Damian's shoulder.

Damian didn't move for an hour. He just watched her breathe.

That night, Emma woke up crying. "I miss mommy."

Damian rushed to her room. "Hey, hey. It's okay."

Emma sat up. "Can I call her?"

Damian handed her his phone. "Of course."

Emma called Aria. "Mommy?"

Aria's voice was soft. "Hi anak. Are you okay?"

"I miss you," Emma whispered.

"I miss you too," Aria said. "Be good to daddy, okay? I'll see you Sunday."

After the call, Emma hugged Damian. "Thank you, daddy."

Damian's throat was tight. "Anytime, baby."

Sunday morning, they made breakfast together. Pancakes again.

At 5:45 PM, Aria arrived.

Emma ran to her. "Mommy! Daddy and I made pancakes!"

Aria looked at Damian. "Thank you... for taking care of her."

Damian nodded. "Can we do this again next weekend?"

Aria hesitated. Then nodded once.

As they drove away, Emma waved. "Bye, daddy! See you next week!"

Damian stood in the driveway. Smiling. And breaking.