In the Name of Love and Loss

Ten years ago, the Harrington family went through a home invasion. My mother, a maid, shielded Liam with her life.

Holding my hands tight, Liam promised, "Andrea, don't worry. I'll protect you forever."

I believed him. Our bond grew naturally, and we had a beautiful daughter together.

Then, she was diagnosed with leukemia.

In her last days, all she wanted was to spend one birthday with her dad.

I called him, desperate to make it happen.

"Millie doesn't have much time left. All she wants is one birthday with you. Can you come?"

His voice on the other end went icy. "Really? This your latest stunt? Using your dead mom wasn't enough, now it's our daughter for pity? Disgusting."

I tried to deny it, but he cut me off. "Don't mess with her head. Learn from Vivian—she's got a real heart."

That night, our daughter passed away.

Later, Vivian posted on social media: [Finally taking that couples' trip someone promised me!]

I didn't scream. I didn't cry. I just texted Liam: [We're done.]

Two days. That's all it took to plan my daughter's funeral.

After leaving the cemetery, I gathered every last thing Liam Harrington had ever given me, sold it all, and put the cash on a card.

I didn't expect him to be right there the second I walked into his office.

The sneer on his face said it all. "Thought you were done? Here you are, crawling back like a dog."

I bit down hard and shoved the card at him. "We're done. For good."

He slapped it out of my hand, and I, running on empty, stumbled to the floor. He just looked down like I was trash. "What's with the attitude? I missed Millie's birthday—she'll have plenty more."

My throat tightened.

While he'd been off with his lover, Millie was in the ICU, tangled in tubes. And while they held each other, she'd slipped away, leaving nothing but ashes.

"There won't be any more birthdays," I said, barely holding back tears.

Liam's face twisted with anger, and he ground his heel into my hand. "I had to cut my trip short by three days for this. Satisfied now? You should be thanking Vivian—she's the only one kind enough to deal with your drama."

I looked up, my voice barely a whisper. "Millie is dead."

He smirked. "Andrea Atwood, you'll say anything these days. Why not just claim you're dead too?"

Then he tried calling the preschool. The phone just kept ringing—no answer.

Right then, Vivian Beech walked in, her voice all sweet and soothing. "Liam, don't worry. We'll pick up Millie together later. Andrea's just upset. I'll apologize to Millie myself."

Liam gave her an approving pat, then looked at me with pure disgust. "See the difference? That's why Vivian's better than you. Millie's staying with my parents—I'm not risking her picking up anything from you."

I didn't say another word. I just turned and walked away.