5
John arrived shortly after.
Chloe rushed into his arms, all smiles and sweetness. “Daddy, you got here so fast!”
John shot me a smug look and patted her nose. “My precious daughter needs me. Of course I dropped everything.”
He produced a Starbucks Frappuccino from
behind his back.
Chloe took it, beaming. “You’re the best,
Dad. You never make me dance, and you get
me my favorite drinks. I love you!”
John grinned at me. “She’s a washed–up,
divorced loser. She has to control you to feel
important. She doesn’t care about your
feelings.”
“I’m different. I just want you to be happy.”
Chloe gazed at him adoringly. “You’re so
good to me, Dad!”
What a touching scene.
A few words erased over a decade of my
devotion.
All my sacrifices, reduced to a joke.
I couldn’t stand it anymore. “I asked you here to talk about Chloe’s custody,” I said bluntly.
く
Chloe squeezed his arm, practically bouncing
with excitement. “Daddy, I can finally get
away from this old woman and live with you!”
“Smart move,” John smirked at me.
I tapped my fingernails on the table. “Before
we do that, let’s talk about the cost of raising
Chloe for seventeen years.”
“I should be the one asking for
compensation!” Chloe shrieked. “For all the
emotional damage you caused by forcing me
to dance! You think I wanted you to raise
me?”
A smug look flashed across John’s face.
“You’ve suffered enough, honey. Daddy won’t
ever make you dance again.”
Chloe gave him a sweet smile. “You’re the
only one who cares about me, Dad.”
I sighed, feigning reluctance. “Well, if that’s
how you feel, you can have custody of
Chloe.”
“If a wicked mother like me could raise her
for seventeen years on her own, I’m sure a
loving, well–off father like you can manage.”
John’s smile froze. “What are you saying?”
I looked at him pointedly. “You’re not backing
out just to avoid paying child support, are
you?”
Before he could respond, Chloe jumped in.
“Don’t try to trick us! Dad doesn’t care about
your stupid money!”
Г
I nodded and pulled out the custody
agreement I’d prepared.
“Great. Sign here.”
John’s jaw tightened, his hand shaking as he picked up the pen. “Think this through, Jane.
If I sign this and take full custody, your
relationship with Chloe is over. Done.”
He stared at me, certain I wouldn’t go
through with it.
Chloe scoffed. “Just sign it, Dad! Who cares about her anyway?”
I smiled coldly. “Right. Sign it.”
“When I wouldn’t give Chloe up for adoption,
your sexist family forced me out with nothing.
I raised her alone for seventeen years. Now
it’s your turn.”
Chloe frowned, looking at her father. “Dad, is
that true?”
I had never told her the real reason for the
divorce. I didn’t want her to grow up filled
with hate.
John stammered for a moment, then forced
out a few tears. “Don’t listen to her lies,
honey. It was…complicated. Your grandma…
she threatened… I had no choice…‘
“I’ve been thinking about you every day all
these years.”
Chloe dabbed at his dry eyes. “Even if it’s
<
true, what does it matter? If it wasn’t for that,
we wouldn’t have found each other again.”
“Don’t worry, Dad. We’ll never be apart
again.”
I couldn’t help but laugh.
Life was a dream. From now on, I would live
only for myself.
“Well, then I’ll give you both what you want.‘
I slid the agreement forward.
John hesitated, pen hovering over the paper.
I looked at Chloe, a meaningful glint in my
eye. “People rarely change. Do you know why
your sexist father suddenly showed up? You
really think he had a change of heart?”
Г
I smiled, tearing away the last shred of
pretense. “You’re his only child. That’s why
he’s here.”
“But you’re a girl. That’s why he doesn’t want
to pay to support you.”
وو
Chloe slammed her hand on the table. “Shut
up! Stop trying to turn me against my dad!”
cc
Just rot alone in your misery and be
jealous!”
John’s face turned purple. “You vicious
woman! How dare you!”
“This is vicious?” I asked sweetly. “What if I
told her why you’ve only had daughters?
Wouldn’t that be vicious?”
Г
John spluttered, pointing a shaking finger at
- me. “Don’t you care about Chloe? Aren’t you
leaving yourself with nothing?”
I glanced at Chloe, who looked lost in
thought. “Who cares about me?”
As for having nothing, the only one I can rely
on is myself.”
“Just sign it. Take your daughter and leave
me alone.”
“Or I’ll tell everyone your little secret.
Chloe glared at me. “Like I care about your
money! As if I need it!”
“Sign it, Dad! When I grow up, I’ll take care of
L
you. I won’t give a cent to her!”
John’s face softened a little at her words.
“Just so we’re clear,” he said to me, “once I
sign this, you stay away from Chloe. Forever.”
“Agreed,” I said without hesitation.
He signed his name with a flourish.
Then, worried I’d change my mind, he insisted
we go to a notary public.
I happily obliged.
Afterward, Chloe didn’t even look back as she
left with him.
She looked eager to get away, like she was
く
afraid I would change my mind.
I wonder who will regret this more.
