In the Name of Love and Loss

Two days. That's all it took to plan my daughter's funeral.

After leaving the cemetery, I gathered every last thing Liam Harrington had ever given me, sold it all, and put the cash on a card.

I didn't expect him to be right there the second I walked into his office.

The sneer on his face said it all. "Thought you were done? Here you are, crawling back like a dog."

I bit down hard and shoved the card at him. "We're done. For good."

He slapped it out of my hand, and I, running on empty, stumbled to the floor. He just looked down like I was trash. "What's with the attitude? I missed Millie's birthday—she'll have plenty more."

My throat tightened.

While he'd been off with his lover, Millie was in the ICU, tangled in tubes. And while they held each other, she'd slipped away, leaving nothing but ashes.

"There won't be any more birthdays," I said, barely holding back tears.

Liam's face twisted with anger, and he ground his heel into my hand. "I had to cut my trip short by three days for this. Satisfied now? You should be thanking Vivian—she's the only one kind enough to deal with your drama."

I looked up, my voice barely a whisper. "Millie is dead."

He smirked. "Andrea Atwood, you'll say anything these days. Why not just claim you're dead too?"

Then he tried calling the preschool. The phone just kept ringing—no answer.

Right then, Vivian Beech walked in, her voice all sweet and soothing. "Liam, don't worry. We'll pick up Millie together later. Andrea's just upset. I'll apologize to Millie myself."

Liam gave her an approving pat, then looked at me with pure disgust. "See the difference? That's why Vivian's better than you. Millie's staying with my parents—I'm not risking her picking up anything from you."

I didn't say another word. I just turned and walked away.