Forgive Me, My Love

Chapter 9: Emma's Birthday

Two weeks later.

It was Emma's 3rd birthday.

Aria threw a small party at home. Balloons, cake, and 5 of Emma's friends.

"Mommy, is daddy coming?" Emma asked while blowing bubbles.

Aria's heart sank. "No, anak. Just us."

The doorbell rang.

Aria opened it. Damian. With a gift bag and flowers.

"I know I'm not invited," Damian said quickly. "But I just want to give this to her. Then I'll leave."

Aria hesitated. Then stepped aside. "5 minutes."

Damian walked in. Emma's eyes lit up. "Daddy!"

She ran to him and hugged his legs.

Damian crouched and gave her the gift. "Happy birthday, baby."

Emma opened it. It was a doll. "Thank you, daddy!"

For 5 minutes, Damian played with Emma. He sang happy birthday. He took pictures.

Then Aria said, "Time's up."

Damian nodded. He kissed Emma's forehead. "I love you."

As he walked out, Emma cried. "Don't go, daddy!"

Aria closed the door. And leaned against it. She hated this.

That night, Aria texted Damian: "We need to talk about custody. For real this time."

For 5 minutes, Damian played with Emma. He sang happy birthday. He took pictures.

Emma was laughing so hard. "Again, daddy! Push me!"

Damian smiled. This was all he ever wanted.

Then Aria said, "Time's up."

Damian nodded slowly. He kissed Emma's forehead. "I love you, baby."

Emma hugged him tight. "Don't go, daddy!"

Aria felt her heart break. "Emma, let daddy go."

Damian stood up. He looked at Aria. "Can we talk? Please."

Aria shook her head. "Not now."

As Damian walked out, Emma cried and ran after him. Aria had to carry her back inside.

That night, Aria couldn't sleep. She kept hearing Emma cry.

At 11 PM, her phone buzzed.

Unknown number: "I'm sorry for today. I just wanted to see her happy. Can we set a schedule? I don't want to hurt her anymore."

Aria stared at the message for 10 minutes.

Then she typed back: "We need to talk about custody. For real this time. Tomorrow. 10 AM. My lawyer's office."

She hit send.

There was no going back now.