My Ex-wife, My Destination

Luke’s P. O. V.

I sit on the sofa, holding my head. The memories of how I treated Daisy in the past revolve around my mind, driving me crazy with guilt. She never deserved that treatment. I want to kill myself every time I recall the past.

However, now I promise myself that I’ll fill Daisy’s life with beautiful moments so she’ll forget every painful memory. I’m never going to give up on her.

As the door to Daisy’s room swings open, my eyes widen in surprise. Daisy is wearing the dress I bought for her today, the one I imagined her in. But to be honest, she looks even more beautiful than I had imagined. I didn’t think she would wear this dress.

I can’t take my eyes off her. She looks out of this world.

“Daddy…” As I hear Hope’s voice, I lower my gaze to her. She stands, holding her mommy’s hand, wearing the matching dress. She looks as adorable as always.

“Daddy, how do we look?” she asks, placing one hand on her waist and pouting at me.

I chuckle at her expression and rise from the sofa. “Wow, you both look absolutely stunning,” I say, glancing at Daisy, who averts her eyes at my compliment, and Hope approaches me.

She giggles with delight, tugging at my hand. “Daddy, who looks prettier, Mommy or me?”

I ruffle her hair, smiling at her. “You both look equally beautiful.”

She pouts at me. “But Daddy, you have to pick one.”

I glance at Daisy and find her looking at me. I admire her again from head to toe before moving my eyes back to my little princess. She keeps her eyes fixed on me, desperately waiting for my answer.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. Daddy can never choose between your mommy and you. You both look really beautiful,” I reply, stroking her cheek.

“Daddy, you’re so sweet.” After giving me a wide grin, she runs towards Daisy. Standing beside her mommy, she orders me, “Daddy, now click photos of us.”

“Sure, princess.” I pull my phone out of my jeans pocket.

“Hopi, let Mommy change. She has to prepare dinner,” Daisy gives an excuse to Hope as I open the camera on my phone.

“Mommy, don’t worry about dinner. Daddy, Hopi, and Mommy will go out for dinner today.” As Hope tells her, Daisy’s eyes widen in shock. Hope turns to me and asks, “Right, Daddy?”

“Right, princess.” As I nod, Daisy glares at me before shifting her gaze back to Hope.

“Hope, we’re not going out,” Daisy denies in a stern tone.

“Why not, Mommy? Hopi wants to go out with Mommy and Daddy both. You know how much I missed you while shopping.” She looks down, making a sad pout, and I can see Daisy’s expression softening.

She sighs. “Okay, fine. I’ll go.”

Hope’s eyes twinkle with delight as she looks at Daisy. “Thank you, Mommy.” She hugs her, wrapping her arms around Daisy’s leg.

Daisy caresses her, smiling down at her. A grin spreads across my face because I get the opportunity to spend more time with my family. Thank you, my dear daughter.

She orders me, “Daddy, now click some photos of us.”

Only my princess and her mommy can boss me around like this. I can’t wait for the time Daisy will boss me around as well.

***

We reach a luxurious restaurant. I had already reserved our seats during the car ride.

“Wow, Daddy. This restaurant is so huge and beautiful.” As we enter, Hope admires the restaurant with wide eyes, and I fix my gaze on Daisy. Today, I truly can’t take my eyes off her. The way the dress hugs her curves-I can’t express in words what I’m feeling right now.

Black suits her the most.

As we take our seats, Hope settles down between us on the sofa, picking up the menu. I chuckle as she pretends to read.

“Daddy, Hopi will eat pizza. Yummy-yummy.” She licks her lower lips.

“Okay, my princess.” I lean in and kiss her head.

As a waiter comes to take our order, I ask Daisy, “What would you like to eat, Daisy?”

She frowns at me before turning to the waiter and giving her order directly. “Green salad, please.”

I give the remaining order, and the waiter leaves after nodding at us.

As I watch the couples dancing, I feel an urge to ask Daisy for a dance. But I know she’ll never agree to it.

“Daddy, Mommy, please dance like the other couples.” Hope implores, catching my attention.

Is my daughter a mind reader?

I wonder, staring at her.

“Hopi, no.” Daisy gives her a stern look.

Please, Hope, do something and convince your mommy to dance with me.

“Mommy, why not? Every couple is dancing. I want to make a video of you two. Please go. Please.” She bats her eyelashes at Daisy, trying her best to persuade her.

“No means no, Hope. Mommy can’t fulfil your every silly demand. You’re becoming so stubborn.” As Daisy chides Hope, her face falls with sadness.

She sits in my lap, resting her head on my chest, making a sad pout. “Hopi will not talk to Mommy.”

My heart clenches, seeing her like that.

“Hope, don’t be upset.” I try to soothe her, running my fingers through her hair. “Mommy loves you very much. It’s just that she doesn’t want to dance.”

“But Mommy scolded me. I was just requesting her.” She grumbles, playing with my cufflink.

I steal glances at Daisy, who sits lost in her thoughts. I wish she would start talking to me normally soon, at least.

Before I can make Hope understand, the waiter arrives with our order.

“Look, princess, your yummy pizza is here.” I try to cheer her up.

“I don’t want to eat it. Hope isn’t hungry now.” She denies it, snuggling into me.

“Hopi, Mommy is sorry. Please eat your pizza,” Daisy apologizes, ruffling her hair after shifting closer to us.

She raises her head from my chest and looks at Daisy with her innocent blue eyes. “Mommy, Hopi will eat the pizza on one condition.”

“What?” Daisy asks, constantly stroking her hair.

“You’ll have to dance with Daddy, Mommy.” Daisy withdraws her hand from her hair upon hearing her words.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

I stare at Hope in shock.

“Hope, you shouldn’t force your mommy like this.” I make her understand, gently tucking her hair behind her ears.

I really want to dance with Daisy, but not like this.

“Daddy, Hope really wants to see you both dancing like the other couples.” After saying this to me, she turns to her mother. “Pinky promise, Mommy. This is the last request of the day.”

“Okay.” As Daisy finally agrees, Hope jumps into her mommy’s lap and hugs her, while I stare at Daisy in surprise. She looks back at me with an unreadable expression while embracing Hope.

“Now, Hope will have her pizza.” Hope licks her lips in anticipation, fixing her eyes on the pizza.

She eagerly digs into her pizza and chatters nonstop as she takes bite after bite.

Daisy picks at her salad, her expression distant as she pushes the food around her plate. It hurts me to see her like this. I want to erase the hurt that I’ve caused, but I know healing takes time.

However, I’ll heal her, no matter how much time it takes.

I have finally found the path to reach her, and it’s through Hope. I’m certain that she will bridge the gap between her mother and me and bring her mommy closer to me.