Chapter 2

Lucia huddled in the corner of the couch, crying and scared. I clenched my fists so hard my nails dug into my palms, and the sharp pain cleared my head a little.

I knew Theodore didn't deserve another ounce of my love.

But if I took Lucia and left right away, she'd miss her father terribly.

So I deliberately started weaning her off Theodore. Little by little, I would ease him out of our lives.

I tucked the divorce papers into a stack of bills for clothes and jewelry and had Theodore sign everything.

Theodore was usually careful, so I was afraid he'd notice.

Ironically, he was in such a hurry to take Amy to the museum that he signed without even looking.

I watched him rush out, let out a cold laugh, and made a call.

"Dad, send someone to bring me home in a month."

"All right. No Holst daughter has to put up with a marriage like that. Your mother and I have your back."

A lump rose in my throat, and warmth spread through my chest.

After I hung up, I knew what I had to do.

I would spend the next month helping Lucia let go of Theodore.

But Lucia was still little. She needed her father's love and attention.

At the amusement park, Brynn called Theodore, and he turned to leave. I prompted Lucia to say, "Bye, Don Ricci."

She did, but after he left, she cried in my arms all afternoon. By the end, her eyes were red and swollen.

When we got caught in a clash between rival families and were both hurt, the doctor at the hospital asked where her father was. Lucia said, "Don Ricci is busy with work."

But as soon as the doctor left, she threw herself into my arms. In a hurt voice, she said Daddy had forgotten about her because he was busy protecting Amy.

But today was different.

On the 28th day, she didn't cry or make a fuss. She just waved at Theodore as if she were saying goodbye to a stranger.

Even Theodore stopped in his tracks at her calm reaction.

I was still lost in thought when Lucia handed me a slice of cake, and I noticed her eyes were wet.

My heart ached, and my eyes burned.

Then Lucia looked up at me and asked solemnly, "Mommy, do you know what I wished for?

"I think I want a new daddy. One who's only mine..."