Chapter Seventy Six

Gabriel

"I'll go away." Lucille says. "I just came to say goodbye to you."

Kary's gaze slides to mine in excitement, as if she's already guessed why her mother is saying that. "Does this mean... She won't be in our lives anymore?"

"Yes, baby." I nod. "We're finally getting a divorce."

"Yay!" She claps her hands excitedly. "Thank you, daddy!" She wraps her small arms around my neck.

"I guess this is my cue to leave." Lucille's voice cracks with emotion as she finally realizes that even her daughter doesn't want her around. "Goodbye... Kareena. Can I hug you?"

Kary literally recoils from her, burying her face in my neck. I stroke her back to calm her down and gesture for Lucille to leave. Thankfully, she listens to me and walks away.

"Is she gone?" Kary asks.

"Yes, baby." I reply. "You won't see her again if you don't want to."

"I don't want to see her again." She reaches for Arian and I hand her over to Arian. "I love you, Arian. I want you to be my mother."

Arian's wide eyed gaze sli