Forgive Me, My Love

Chapter 8: Don't Take Her Away From Me Again

That night, Damian couldn't sleep.

"Bye, daddy."

Emma's voice kept playing in his head.

He picked up his phone and called Aria. It went to voicemail.

He texted: "Can we meet tomorrow? Please. Just to talk."

No reply.

The next day, Damian went to Aria's office. Unannounced.

"Ms. Santos is in a meeting," the secretary said.

"I'll wait," Damian said.

3 hours later, Aria walked out. She stopped when she saw him.

"What are you doing here?" Aria asked. Cold.

"I need to talk to you," Damian said. "About Emma."

Aria crossed her arms. "We talked at the park. That's it."

"That's not enough!" Damian snapped. "I'm her father, Aria. I deserve more than one hour."

People in the office were staring.

Aria lowered her voice. "Don't do this here."

"Then where?" Damian asked. "You keep pushing me away."

Aria sighed. "Fine. Coffee shop. 30 minutes."

At the coffee shop, Damian leaned forward. "Please. Don't take her away from me again."

Aria looked away. "I never wanted to."

"Then let me be part of her life," Damian begged. "Joint custody. Visits. Birthdays."

Aria was quiet for a long time.

"I'll think about it," Aria said finally.

Damian's heart dropped. "That's what you said last time."

Aria stood up. "And I'm saying it again."