Chapter 3

Norman's face paled, a flicker of panic and guilt flashing across his features.

"Yesterday was Cindy's birthday, and I…"

"So you ditched your daughter to be with her, huh? You forgot your own kid's birthday?"

I cut him off, my voice sharp with disbelief.

Cindy stepped forward, her voice gentle. "Please, don't be mad. Norman didn't mean to, "

"Shut up."

I snapped, my glare burning into her.

Norman immediately pulled Cindy behind him, his hand clenched into a fist at his side.

"That's enough! If you're angry, take it out on me, not her!"

Ignoring him, I turned toward our daughter's room.

"I'm going to check on Nina."

But the room was empty.

Norman frowned. "Where is she?"

I met his eyes, my voice cold. "You want to see Nina?"

"Of course I do! Every time I come home, I see her. This time, I wanted her to meet Cindy, but you just had to make everything so damn difficult!"

His impatience flared, twisting his face.

"Norman, don't be like that…"

Cindy reached for his arm but hesitated, then let go, an exaggerated, deliberate move, as if performing for an audience.

I let out a hollow laugh, shaking my head. "And why didn't you pick up our daughter from school?"

Norman froze, his mouth opening and closing before he stammered, "I… I forgot. Is she still there?"

"Forgot? Or just didn't care?" I pressed, my voice trembling with anger. "Even if you didn't want to, you could've told me. Hell, you could've had your assistant tell me."

Tears burned my eyes, spilling over before I could stop them.

"I… I'll be more careful next time," he mumbled, shame creeping into his voice. He couldn't even look at me.

"Next time?"

I let out a bitter laugh, not even sure if I was laughing or crying anymore.

Something in my tone must've struck him, because his expression darkened with unease.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean? Where's Nina?"

He grabbed my collar, his old arrogance creeping back in, as if I was the one in the wrong, as if this was somehow my fault.

"You want to see her?" I asked, ignoring the fire in his eyes.

"Fine. I'll take you to her."

We drove in silence. Cindy clung to Norman's arm, her concern entirely for him. The entire ride, he never once checked his phone. Never once wondered why I wasn't yelling anymore.

When we pulled up in front of the hospital, he stiffened.

His voice was barely a whisper. "Is Nina… sick?"

I watched as realization dawned on him, horror creeping into his features.

"Did she get hurt?"

The last shred of my heart finally shattered.

"I'm sorry," Cindy murmured. "I didn't know Nina was sick. But I'm sure she'll be okay."

I let out a short, bitter laugh.

The sound must have unsettled them because they both turned to me, eyes filled with sudden concern.

Ignoring their ridiculous expressions, I strode inside and approached the staff.

"As her family, I'd like to be taken to the morgue."

Norman's breath hitched. "Where are you going? Why the hell are we here?"

His voice trembled now, the full weight of the moment crashing down on him.

"Have you lost your mind?"