006

**Cherry’s POV**

When Selena ran to Dylan, my heart shattered into a thousand pieces. I felt as if someone had pierced my chest with an invisible dagger. Warm sweat trickled down my face, soaking the edges of my collar. My breaths came in short, shallow gasps, but the next question shocked me to my core.

“Who is she?” Dylan’s voice was cold, sharp, and unfamiliar.

I opened my mouth to answer, but no sound came out. My voice was trapped in my throat, choked by the weight of his question. My hands trembled at my sides, and my knees threatened to buckle. Depression, frustration, and a sense of being utterly stranded wrapped around me like a suffocating fog.

“It… It’s not what you think,” I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.

Before I could say more, Jake stormed in, his face contorted in anger. His usually warm brown eyes now burned with a fire I had never seen in all the years of our marriage.

“What?!” he barked, his voice echoing in the room. “How could she call him that?”

He grabbed my wrist roughly, his grip tight enough to bruise.

“You’re hurting me, Jake,” I said, my voice shaking as tears spilled down my cheeks.

“How dare you lie to me?” he yelled, his voice rising with each word. “You told me you never spoke to him about her father, but here you are! You—cheap slut!”

My heart sank. The words hit me like a slap across the face, leaving me reeling. The man I thought I knew, the man I had trusted and loved, was gone, replaced by this furious, unrecognizable stranger.

“Let me go!” I cried, trying to free myself from his grip, but his hold only tightened.

“Mommy! Mommy!”

Selena’s small voice jolted me awake. I sat up abruptly, gasping for air, my body drenched in sweat and tears streaming down my face. My eyes darted around the room, and my heart pounded like a drum in my chest. It took me a moment to realize that it had all been a dream—a horrifying, gut-wrenching dream.

“Mom, you were shouting… Are you okay?” Selena’s worried eyes locked onto mine, her little hands gently touching my arm. Her voice, soft and sweet, was the anchor that pulled me back to reality.

I forced a shaky smile and cupped her cheek. “I’m okay, honey. It was just a bad dream.”

She wrapped her small arms around me in a hug, and I held her close, her warmth seeping into me. For a moment, I let myself breathe, grateful that she was here, safe and oblivious to the turmoil that haunted my subconscious.

“Where’s your father?” I asked, my voice steadier now.

“He… he left early this morning,” Selena said hesitantly. “He had his luggage and left a note for you.”

She handed me a sealed envelope, and my fingers trembled as I opened it. The words on the paper blurred through my tears as I read aloud:

*Dear Cherry,

I’m sorry for leaving like this, but something urgent came up. I won’t be coming back anytime soon. Please take care of Selena. I promise to return for both of you. Lots of love.*

My hands fell to my lap, the letter slipping from my grasp. Tears spilled freely down my cheeks, hot and unrelenting. “Why is everything bad always happening to me?” I whispered to myself.

Selena looked at me, her innocent face filled with concern. I wiped my tears quickly and forced a weak smile. “Don’t worry, my love. Mommy’s fine.”

Kiva, Selena’s nanny, appeared in the doorway. “Breakfast is ready,” she said softly, taking Selena by the hand.

Once they left, I sat on the edge of the bed, trying to collect myself. Jake’s note felt like another betrayal, another crack in my already fragile heart. But I wasn’t the same woman I used to be. I had risen from the ashes before, and I would do it again.

“I’m a successful designer now,” I whispered to myself, standing and walking to the bathroom. “I won’t let this weigh me down anymore.”

After washing my face and dressing, I called out, “Selena! Kiva! Let’s get going, or we’ll be late for the flight.”

Selena bounded into the room, her face lit up with excitement. She looked like a miniature version of her father—her bright eyes, her infectious smile. She was dressed in bum shorts, snow boots, and a cozy pullover. Her joy was contagious, and despite everything, I found myself smiling back at her.

We drove to the airport, the city blanketed in a thick layer of snow. Winter had arrived in full force, but the cold didn’t bother me. My mind was too occupied with thoughts of the UK and what awaited us there.

After checking in, we boarded the plane. Selena was bubbling with questions as we settled into our seats.

“Mom, are we going to meet Daddy, Grandma, and Grandpa?” she asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

“Maybe,” I replied, tucking her into her seatbelt. “But first, I’ll take you on a little tour of the UK.”

Her face lit up, and she clapped her hands. “I can’t wait!”

I smiled, her enthusiasm warming my heart. Despite everything, Selena was my constant source of light.

The flight attendant’s voice crackled over the intercom. “The plane is about to land. Please fasten your seatbelts.”

I glanced down at Selena, who had fallen asleep on my lap, her small face peaceful and serene. As the plane began its descent, a surge of determination washed over me.

The dream and Jake’s departure had left me shaken, but I wouldn’t let them break me. The UK held new opportunities, and I had a meeting scheduled with a mysterious business partner who had been communicating with me through emails. I didn’t know much about him, only that he preferred anonymity and often sent his assistant in his place.

As the plane touched down, I felt a sense of anticipation mixed with apprehension. Little did I know, this trip would change everything.