Too late ex Husband

For the past 3 years, I've lived my best life as the wife of Murphy Daniel. The cold, indecisive CEO who loved and cared for I and our little daughter Sophie. Not until last year, when I gave up my job to become a house wife in order to take good care of our daughter Sophie who suddenly had an issue with her kidney.

And today, Sophie was turning five. It was already 9pm but Daniel wasn't anywhere to be found for his daughter's birthday. He had promised he would take her to get her birthday cake.

“Daddy” Sophie called as her voice was too cold. As she had just woken up from sleep. She felt so much happier staying close to her dad than with me. 

"Hey Sophie, your dad isn't at home." I said to her as I smiled gently holding her little hands.

She shoved them off as she pouted her mouth. “ I don't want you mom, I want my dad.”

My chest tightened as my hands trembled in anguish. Sophie had turned cold towards me even at her age. She never truly saw me as a good mom.

I exhaled deeply. “Sophie dear, why don't we go and get your birthday cake?” I said that as an excuse to stop her from throwing more words on me. I had already felt broken. 

She jumped up in excitement. " Yaaaayyy!” and suddenly, her face went pale.

"Isn't Dad coming home for my birthday?” She asked as all I could see was innocence all over her face.

I ran a hand through my hair. "Dad has something to settle. He will come soon.” 

She nodded gently. I held her hands softly as I wore her the burgundy dress I had gotten for her birthday. It looked really pretty on her as she bounced happily. 

Murphy had never missed out on his daughter's birthday which made me scared. We both walked outside to the garage and I carried her into the front seat and fastened her seatbelt. I revved the engine as I drove off to the mall. 

I brought out my phone and dialed Murphy's number. It rang twice and yet he failed to pick up. What kind of father doesn't show up on his daughter's birthday? My heart burnt with rage as my grip tightened around the phone. 

I scrolled through my phone again and dialed his number again..

This time, he picked up almost immediately.

" Hello Murphy.” I said, my voice cracking.

It sounded so noisy that I could barely hear him.

" Yes honey. Is everything okay?” His voice came slowly and swiftly.

" Sophie has been waiting for you to show up. Or did you suddenly forget today was her birthday? When are you coming home?" 

“Calm down honey. I'm having dinner with a client and I'll be back soon. I will get the cake for Sophie tomorrow and tell her I love her.” 

Just as I was about venting my anger, I heard a lady's voice over Murphy's phone. 

“Thank you Murphy for the necklace you got me. This is the best birthday yet." 

My heart shattered into pieces as a part of me felt lost.

He had lied that he was having dinner with a client, when truly he was with another woman even on his daughter's birthday. Tears blurred my eyes as I quickly hung up on the call. My hands on the car steering became faint as I got buried in thoughts.

Does this marriage not mean anything to him? I did all he asked and even gave up my job to be the kind of wife he wanted. He had always been so indecisive but I still hoped he would change after he begged.

I immediately zoned out of my bereavement when a car honked loudly. " Ooh my goodness!" I screamed as the car crashed over a hill top. I managed to match the brake causing it to screech to a halt. 

I flung out the seatbelt and hurried over to where Sophie laid. She was breathing heavily as blood flowed out unstoppably from her head. 

“Sophie! Sophie!" I shook her, crying endlessly. I managed to carry her in my hands even as I felt pain too. I dialed Murphy's number again.

"Hello, Murphy. You need to come over now. Sophie is really in a bad state and I'll send the hospital's location to you.” 

I hung up without even hearing from him. What else mattered? I couldn't bear to see my daughter hurt. She was the only reason I still remained in this marriage. 

After we got to the hospital, the doctors rushed her into the room as they examined her. I stood outside staring as they took my daughter. I stretched my hand towards her like I had lost her. 

I kept pacing around breathlessly and after some time, the doctor dashed out of the room. 

“Doctor, how's my daughter?" I asked as my eyes blurted out. 

He nodded his head slowly as he leaned on a table. " Her condition is not favorable. Even though she might be stabilized in a day, she needs to be taken proper care of. Else, her condition will become worse which might involve her life. 

I froze instantly. I have done everything possible in the past few years to make sure Sophie’s kidney condition doesn't get worse.

“Ca..Can I at least see her now?" I asked as my voice cut in my throat. 

The doctor smiled softly. " Of course you can.”

I slowly clicked the door open as I walked in and saw Sophie laying down on the hospital bed. I stepped closer and sat on the bed. I raised her head slightly as I brushed her hair with my hands. 

" I'm really sorry Sophie, it was all my fault.” Tears came streaming from my eyes. 

She gently turned towards me with a cold face. " I don't want you here, you're so petite mom. I want Dad.” She buried her face under the pillow as she kept muttering. 

I held my chest with my hands like they were going to explode. I couldn't believe the reason I had endured this marriage had no respect too for me just like her father. 

I stood beside her as I poured out my eyes. Just then, my phone chimed from my bag.