5
537words
On the phone,Daniel's voice was resolute.
"I've thought hard.I'm sorry about our daughter,but I can change nothing..."
"Don't you dare mention my daughter."
My voice was icy.
He paused,then continued."That's why I need to make it up to you.It’s all my mistakes,the pain I’ve brought you over the years..."
I chuckled."Found your conscience? Feeling guilty now?"
"The CEO,feeling guilt for someone?"
Daniel stayed calm and ignored my sarcasm."I know you're angry.I'll give you time to cool off.Let's not divorce for now,okay?"
"So,you're refusing?"
"I'm refusing."
"Fine.See you in court then."
I hung up.
Looking at the empty house,I felt like I could still hear my daughter’s laughter.
Our patched-together home,seemingly perfect,was actually full of cracks.
And today,it collapsed.
I lay on the floor,crying,lost in memories.
I recalled our happy times—him holding me in his arms,whispering about how much he loves me,vowing to cherish me forever.
But vows only count when love still exists.
In a daze,I could hear my daughter’s laughter echoing.
On the balcony,by the sink,in the kitchen.
"Sweetie,is that you?"
"You came to see Mommy..."
Tears blurred my vision as I chased the light.
Everywhere in the house held her memories.
"I'm sorry,Mommy's useless.I couldn't save you..."
"Next life,find a good family and live happily..."
I sobbed like a helpless child, trying to find a let-out for the days of sorrow.
Knock,knock,knock!
Someone was at the door.
"Mhy girl,you're back from school."
I rushed to the door and flung it open.
"Sweetie..."
"It's me."
My arms met only air.Daniel was standing there,gazing at mewith a flicker of pain in his eyes.
"You've been crying?"
He reached to wipe my tears.
"Don't touch me."
I took a step back and glared at him with hatred.
"Don’t you dare touch me with your dirty hands."
My words tugged at his heart."Don't do this,please."
"I didn't mean it.I'm so sorry..."
"You didn't mean to smash her urn?"
I sneered."Stop pretending.I could now see your true face clearly!"
"Daniel,you're scum!"
"Scum or not,whatever you like to call me,I accept it.Just...don't divorce me?"
He pleaded with his eyes and lowered his voice.
"I can't bear your goodwill.All these years,weren't you already tired of me?Didn't you dream of being with your lover?"
I waved,trying to shut the door."You're free.We're done."
"From the moment she died,we’re done for good."
"No,I love you."
He grabbed the door,eyes bloodshot,face twisted in pain.
"Love me?"
I smiled brightly and looked into his eyes."Do you know how much she suffered before she died?"
"She endured unimaginable agony,and you were with your first love!"
I spat through gritted teeth,tears falling.
He shook,shaking his head,muttering apologies.
"Know who she called last?"
I curled my lips bitterly.
"She called her daddy.She asked her teacher why he didn't answer."
"She aksed if he was...abandoning her?"
"Enough,please,stop..."
Daniel bit his lower lip so hard that it bled,his eyes were red,and he wastrembling."Daddy's sorry,sweetie.I'm a jerk..."
He slapped himself until his face swelled.
"Jerk,huh."
I jabbed his chest.
"The daddy she longed for scattered her ashes.Don’t you feel anything here?"
"I'll make it right,Sophie.Trust me."
He looked up,his voice hoarse.
I sneered,rejecting him.
"Sorry,no."
"What’s done’s already done.I'll never forgive you or give you a chance to atone."
