Chapter 5 - The Choice I Didn't ExpectDaniel returned to New York.

He didn't call me.

Instead, he sent one message.

I'm going to give you space.

Then another.

But I'll be here when you're ready.

I expected him to give up.

He didn't.

He started attending prenatal classes.

Alone.

He learned about pregnancy complications.

He read about childbirth.

He researched newborn care.

He stopped traveling unnecessarily.

He moved Vanessa to another division.

Then eventually ended the relationship.

Not for me.

Because he realized he had to become someone different.

Six weeks passed.

I attended another appointment.

Dr. Brooks smiled.

"Would you like to know the sex?"

I hesitated.

Then smiled.

"Yes."

She turned the monitor.

"It's a girl."

I started crying.

A daughter.

I immediately wanted to tell Daniel.

Then I remembered everything.

I called him anyway.

He answered on the first ring.

"Hello?"

"Daniel."

His voice changed.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes."

I swallowed.

"The baby is a girl."

Silence.

Then he laughed softly.

"A girl."

"Yes."

"Thank you for telling me."

"I thought you should know."

"I do."

His voice broke.

"Can I ask one thing?"

"What?"

"Can I buy her first book?"

I smiled despite myself.

"Why a book?"

"My father gave me one when I was born."

"What was it?"

"The Little Prince."

I laughed softly.

"That's a good choice."

"Then I'll get it."

That night, a package arrived.

Inside was a children's book.

A handwritten note was tucked inside.

For the little girl who taught her father that being present matters.

I held it against my chest.

For the first time since I left Manhattan, I cried.

May you like

He Came to End Their Marriage—Then Learned Someone Had Been Trying to De...

The Mafia Boss Ordered the Gunmen to Drop Their Weapons

My Mafia Husband Left Me to Freeze Above Aspen

Not because I wanted him back.

Because maybe, somewhere beneath all the damage, there was still a man worth knowing.