Chapter 3

I looked up and saw a young woman standing at the door, looking enchanting beside Connor. That was his junior in college, Ashley Davenport.

She blinked innocently. "Connor brought me home for a meal. Hope you guys don't mind."

Connor shrugged. "Don't worry. You're welcome here."

Before I could respond, he led her into the living room, not even glancing my way. I couldn't quite tell if he was ignoring me like he used to or if he was still upset about the cold shoulder I'd given him yesterday.

Evie scampered after them, holding her sheet music and standing by the couch.

"Dad, I learned a new piano piece. Can I play it for you?" she said eagerly, her eyes sparkling.

Connor ruffled her hair with a smile. "Sure thing."

She beamed and set up her music, but Ashley butted in. "I know that one from back then. Let's play it together for your dad, okay?"

Evie frowned, but before she could say no, Ashley plopped down and scooted her aside.

During the process, Ashley's elbow knocked over a vase.

It smashed, shards flying everywhere. Evie instinctively stepped back, but a piece sliced her foot.

Connor jumped to protect Ashley, blocking her with his body while his clothes hit the piano stand, scattering music all over.

Ashley looked apologetic. "Connor..."

He pulled her close, whispering comforts. The crash brought me running from the kitchen. "Evie, you okay?"

I bent down to check on her and saw a cut on her ankle. Blood was seeping from the wound.

"It's bleeding. Let me fix it."

"I'm fine, Mom. It's just a scratch and doesn't hurt."

She gave a brave smile, then bent to pick up her favorite paintbrush from under the scattered papers. It was a gift Connor had brought back from a business trip. She treasured it, using it for all her paintings.

But now it was wet from the vase water, the handle scratched up. Her tears spilled over, dripping onto the brush.

"Dad gave me this brush. He said I'm good at art and asked me to create pretty stuff with it. But now it's ruined," she cried.

She'd always been so careful with it, but Connor and Ashley wrecked it by accident. It broke her heart, and her hot tears burned into me.

My heart ached for her, and I pulled her into a tight hug. "It's okay. I'll fix it and make sure it's as good as new."

Ashley came over, apologizing, "I'm sorry. I knocked over the vase by accident. Is she hurt?"

Only then did Connor react. "Evie, you alright?"

"Don't you think it's too late to ask now?" I demanded. "Like whoever you want, but she's your daughter. Don't play favorites so obviously."

His brows knitted together, but Evie managed a smile. "I'm fine, Dad."

Tugging at my sleeve, she added, "I'm hungry. Let's eat, Mom."

Stung by guilt, Connor picked her up and carried her to the table, which delighted her so much. The food was our favorite, but Ashley stared without eating.

Connor noticed it. "Ashley is allergic to eggs and potatoes, and she doesn't do spicy or sour. Make her something else."