Chapter 2

I had promised to give Grayson one last chance. If he disappointed our daughter again, I would take her and leave—forever.

But in truth, I had long been ready to go. I had seen the fire in his eyes for Sandra and felt the cold indifference he reserved for me. Eight years was more than enough to erase every illusion I'd ever harbored about him.

While I was preparing Alicia's passport and printing school documents, her homeroom teacher approached me.

"Mrs. Ulrich, I wanted to talk to you about something."

The teacher handed me an application form.

"Master Danni, the renowned artist, is looking for an apprentice at our school. I think Alicia has incredible talent and a real chance to be noticed by him. Do you want to help her seize this opportunity?"

My heart leapt. Alicia had told me that Master Danni was her favorite artist. If she could study under him, her future would be limitless.

I made a silent decision to put aside all plans to go abroad. If Alicia could become Danni's student, I would stay in Bitaly for her.

"Thank you. I'd love to help her with this. Do you think she stands a good chance?" I asked as I filled out the form, my voice laced with hope and anxiety.

"Don't worry," the teacher said. "Alicia's talent is exceptional. There's really no one at her level in the school."

When I told Alicia the news, she practically bounced with excitement.

"Mom! I never dreamed I could study under Master Danni! Is this real? Am I dreaming?"

I smiled, though I tried to sound practical.

"You'll still have to ace the competition. Don't get too excited yet."

But Alicia was brimming with confidence.

"Don't worry, Mom. Nobody knows Master Danni better than me. I'll pass his test for sure."

"What's all the excitement about?" Grayson asked when he came home from work, taking off his jacket.

Alicia tried to hide her smile, making herself appear calm. I felt a pang of bittersweetness but forced a smile as I said, "Alicia has a competition tomorrow. She says she's confident she'll get first place."

Grayson nodded, not probing further. Instead, he looked at our daughter with unexpected seriousness.

"If you get first place, I'll reward you with a skateboard."

"Really?!" Alicia covered her mouth in excitement. She'd wanted a skateboard for so long, but he had always refused her requests.

This was the first time Grayson had voluntarily promised a reward to our daughter since her birth.

He hadn't expected her reaction. He paused, softening, and ran his hand over her hair.

"I mean it. I'll keep my promise."

With that promise in hand, Alicia was practically buzzing on the way to the competition. She chattered nonstop about how strict Master Danni was and how excellent his students were.

Then she asked me, "Mom, if I become Master Danni's apprentice… will Uncle like me more?"

I froze, my chest tightening. I wanted, before we left, for her to feel the warmth of her father's recognition—even if only once.

When the competition ended, Alicia was overjoyed.

"Mom! I saw Master Danni! He even praised me! Do you think he'll choose me?"

I shared in her excitement.

"No matter what, in my eyes, you're already the best."

But as we waited for the results, Alicia suddenly stared ahead in shock.

"Uncle?"

I looked up sharply. Not far off, Grayson was walking out of the competition hall with a little boy around Alicia's age.

And by his side was Sandra Wright, the woman he had never stopped loving.

Her son had taken the same competition, on the same day, at the same age, needing the same support.

But my daughter had never had a father like that by her side.