My Ex-wife, My Destination

Luke’s P. O. V.

“Luke, I want to meet you now.” I can’t believe my ears when Daisy calls and directly asks to meet up.

I’m seated on the sofa, holding the phone to my ear, staring straight ahead in shock. “What-what did you just say?” I ask, stammering.

She repeats, “I want to meet you, Luke.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

After composing myself, I question, “Okay. Where?”

“Bocado Cafe.” She hangs up before I can say anything else.

Daisy didn’t want to see my face until yesterday. Now she wants to meet me. Why?

***

I sit outside the cafe, waiting for Daisy to arrive. As she approaches, she gives me a pointed look before taking a seat beside me.

She is wearing a simple top and jeans, yet looking beautiful. How does she always manage to look so pretty?

“Look, I’m only here for Hope,” she begins, looking directly at me. “She’s getting attached to you, so I’ve decided not to keep her away from you any longer. You can stay with her during the daytime while I’m at work.”

I stare at her in surprise. She’s giving me permission to spend time with Hope. I can’t believe it.

She adds, “But I have one condition.”

“What’s the condition?”

“You’ll leave after dropping Hope to her granny’s apartment before I return because I don’t want to see your face.” I feel a pang in my heart at her words.

However, it’s a relief that I can now spend time with Hope without taking the tension.

“Thank you, Daisy,” I say, reaching out to clasp her hand. She moves it away immediately, giving me a stern look. After taking a deep breath, I finish my sentence, “For not keeping me away from my daughter. It means a lot.”

“I’m doing this for my daughter, Luke, because she deserves her father’s love. So don’t think for a second that I’m doing this for you.” She clarifies in a grim tone, and I nod in response. She adds, “And don’t you dare hurt her in any way.”

I immediately shake my head. “I promise, I won’t.”

We sit in silence for a few seconds, staring at each other. She begins to leave, but then suddenly there is thunder and lightning. As the clouds rumble again, she squeezes her eyes shut and grips my hand tightly, digging her nails into my skin.

The rain starts to pour down, drenching us, and I realise how close we are sitting, our shoulders almost touching. The electricity in the air seems to crackle not just from the lightning, but from our proximity.

Raindrops cascade down her face, and I find her even more beautiful at this moment. My mouth goes dry with desire as I notice her wet lips. I feel an intense urge to kiss her and taste those luscious lips.

Luke, control yourself. Keep your desires in check. You have to first win her heart and earn her trust. Don’t forget your purpose.

I compose myself, pushing away my desire.

“Daisy, are you okay?” I ask, and she opens her eyes immediately.

“I… I’m fine,” she replies, her voice shaking, and she doesn’t release her grip on my hand.

I can’t resist, and with my free hand, I gently brush a strand of wet hair away from her face, locking my intense gaze with hers. For a few moments, we lose ourselves in each other’s eyes, while the rain continues to fall around us.

She finally lets go of my hand and stands up abruptly, her expression unreadable. “I should go.”

As I nod silently, she walks away. A deep longing fills my heart to spend more time with her and connect with her on a deeper level now.

At least there’s some progress; she’s allowing me to be with Hope. Perhaps in the future, she’ll let me explain myself and give me a second chance.

***

“Yippee! I’m going shopping with Daddy,” Hope squeals with excitement from the backseat of my car as I prepare to take her shopping after school. “I’m going to buy lots of toys and dresses.”

I want to spoil my daughter with my love and all the money I have.

Suddenly, she looks at me with a serious expression and asks, “Daddy, can I shop for Mommy too? Mommy never buys anything for herself.”

My heart warms at her concern for her mother. I truly love the way she takes care of her mommy.

I lean in and kiss her cheek. “Of course, little princess. You can buy anything you want today.”

She sits on my lap and rests her head on my chest. “Thank you, Daddy. You’re so sweet.”

A smile spreads across my face as I embrace her. “And you’re sweetest, kiddo.”

Hope is like a light in my dark life. When I’m with her, I feel so content.

***

I put Hope down on the floor to unlock the door of Daisy’s apartment. After shopping, we came directly here because Hope was missing her favourite toy, Rabbi. Eva had an extra key to Daisy’s apartment, which she gave to me.

My driver stands behind us, holding as many shopping bags as he can manage. There are more bags, which he will bring in on the next trip.

As I open the apartment door, Hope rushes into her room. “Rabbi, where are you?”

I follow her with my driver. He places all the shopping bags in the room, and I gesture for him to bring in the rest of them. As he nods and leaves, I turn to Hope.

As she approaches me, holding her soft toy, I scoop her up into my arms.

“Daddy, you know,” she says as I settle on the bed with her. “I bought a lot of toys today, but my favourite one will always be Rabbi.” She hugs the toy closer to her chest.

“Why is that?” I raise my brows at her, stroking her hair.

“Because,” she begins, her big blue eyes sparkling with innocence, “Rabbi was the first toy Mommy gave me. She said he would keep me safe and make me feel loved when she couldn’t be with me.”

“That’s very special,” I reply softly, brushing a lock of golden hair away from her face. “And I’m sure Rabbi feels lucky to have such a wonderful friend like you.”

She beams at me and hugs me. “Thank you, Daddy, for being there with me when Mommy isn’t.”

“Daddy is always there for his princess.” I kiss her hair.

“Daddy, can we go to dinner when Mommy returns from the office?” She asks after breaking the hug, and I immediately nod in response.

“Of co-” I pause as I realise Daisy will definitely not agree to go out with me. “Your Mommy might not agree,” I explain with a pout.

“Daddy, don’t worry about Mommy. Hope will handle her.”

“Then dinner plan is done,” I announce, slightly pinching her nose.

She flashes a wide grin before bouncing on the bed. “Yeah! Daddy, Mommy, Hopi is going to dinner.”

I admire my little girl with a smile on my face. I fall more in love with her with each passing moment I spend with her. Truly, I never thought that after Daisy, I would ever love anybody again, but she has proven me wrong.