The Art of Unloving Him

"Gemma, we agreed on ten years. That time is up now. I'd like to leave with Kira." "You know he never liked her," she added quietly. In the quiet of the coffee house, Josie Carr spoke with a bitter expression. She had lived with Graham Holloway for ten years—ten long years, and still, she hadn't managed to thaw his heart. It wasn't love that brought them a child—it was a night of drunken confusion. He'd pushed her onto the bed, dazed and careless, and Kira came from that. Afterward, he gave her a villa and agreed to let her keep the baby. His only condition was simple: the child must never call him father. Publicly, Graham remained a single man. "I will never marry you. Don't hold out hope. "I'll pay child support, but don't expect me to acknowledge her. That child doesn't exist to me." Chapter 1 "Gemma, we agreed on ten years. That time is up now. I'd like to leave with Kira." "You know he never liked her," she added quietly. In the quiet of the coffee house, Josie Carr spoke with a bitter expression. She had lived with Graham Holloway for ten years—ten long years, and still, she hadn't managed to thaw his heart. Ten years ago, Graham's first love had left him and gone abroad. After that, he fell apart, sinking into a haze of alcohol and despair. He barely stepped outside the house. Unable to bear watching her son waste away, Gemma sought out Josie. She offered her a million dollars to stay by Graham's side for ten years. Josie had already carried a quiet crush on him since her school days. When faced with that offer, she barely hesitated before saying yes. From then on, she began to pursue him. When he was unhappy, she'd try anything to make him smile. When he was sick, she stayed up all night at his bedside, running back and forth through hospital corridors. Knowing he had a weak stomach, she learned to cook just for him. She managed every detail of his daily life. She pulled him from the pit of heartbreak, stayed loyally by his side—but to him, she was just a nameless simp. Once, she overheard his friends ask what she meant to him. He only smiled and said nothing. Then came the night he got drunk. In a daze of blurred desire, he pinned her to the bed, and afterward, there was a child. He gave her a villa and agreed to let her keep the baby. But on one condition: the child must never call him father. To the outside world, Graham remained a single man. "I will never marry you. Don't hold out hope. "I'll pay child support, but don't expect me to acknowledge her. She doesn't exist to me." Graham's heart was like iron. He never once allowed their daughter to call him 'dad.' When Kira was three, she slipped and called him that once—just once. He locked her in a room for twenty-four hours. She cried until her voice broke. At four, she tried to hold his hand. He shoved her away so hard she fell down the stairs, nearly breaking a bone. But yesterday, Graham came home looking genuinely happy. He brought Kira a gift and even promised to spend her birthday with her. Kira had gone wild with joy. She kept asking if maybe—just maybe—Daddy liked her a little now. But Josie knew better than anyone: his joy had nothing to do with Kira. She had seen it herself—how tenderly he cared for his long-lost love, who had just returned to the country. How gently he held that woman's daughter, coaxing the little girl to call him "Dad," as if it were the most natural thing in the world. That was when something inside Josie quietly died. Gemma let out a long, heavy sigh. "So be it. If you've made up your mind, I won't try to stop you." When she returned home, Josie began to pack. Five-year-old Kira pushed the door open, eyes red. "Mommy, are we really leaving Daddy?" Josie's chest tightened at the sight of her. "Daddy's true love is back," she said softly. "We don't belong here anymore." Graham didn't love her. He didn't love Kira, either. Now that the woman he truly loved had returned, there was no longer a place in this house for the two of them. Josie knelt down, cupping her daughter's small face. "Let's go abroad, just the two of us. Would you like that?" Kira was a sensitive, perceptive child. She understood exactly what her mother meant. Lowering her head, her voice broke. "But Daddy promised… he said he'd celebrate my birthday with me. He said he'd take me to the amusement park. I've never been to the amusement park with Daddy before…" Josie knew how deeply Kira craved her father's love. A child who had never been seen, never been embraced by her father—now that he had finally made a promise, even if it was a flame, she would fly into it like a moth, just to feel the warmth. With teary eyes, Kira pleaded, "I really want to spend my birthday with Daddy. Can we give him three more chances? If he still doesn't like me after that… we'll leave for good." Josie pulled Kira close, holding her tightly in her arms. In the end, she couldn't say no to her daughter's request. "All right," she murmured. "We'll give Daddy three more chances." Kira's birthday was in three days. That gave Graham three chances. And if he failed all three— She would take her daughter and disappear from his world forever. Chapter 2 The next morning, Josie rose early to prepare breakfast for Kira. Graham came downstairs, the stale scent of alcohol still clinging to him. Kira clutched her little rabbit plush and ran toward him. "Daddy—" Before she could finish, his cold, cutting glare rooted her to the spot. "What did you just call me?" he asked, his voice low and sharp. Startled, Kira clung tighter to her toy, her voice trembling. "Mr. Holloway…" He tugged at his tie, visibly irritated, then turned to Josie with a warning. "If you can't teach her properly, get out of my house." Bitterness welled up in her chest. That was always his favorite phrase—get out of my house. Each time he said it, both she and Kira would be filled with fear. But now, for the first time, she truly wanted to leave. She didn't respond. Silently, she placed breakfast on the table and lifted Kira into her chair. The eggs and toast were made just the way Graham liked them, but he didn't even glance at the plate. Instead, his tone was icily detached. "Allison is back. Stay out of her sight for now. She doesn't like seeing you." Then, glancing briefly at Kira, he added, "Her, too." Josie looked at the chill in his expression, at the indifference carved into his features. For a moment, she wanted to ask—did he even have a heart? But in the end, all she could muster was a quiet, "Okay." After dropping Kira off at kindergarten, Josie went to her studio. She had once been a fine arts major—talented, even celebrated. Before graduation, she had held her own solo exhibition. But after giving birth to Kira, she gave it all up for Graham, Kira, and their home. Her paintings became little more than private indulgences, created in stolen hours. Most of them were about Graham. She had poured all her love onto the canvas, brushstroke after brushstroke, laying bare the depth of her devotion. And yet, when he saw the paintings, all he said was, "Stop wasting time on meaningless things. The only person I've ever loved is Allison." Graham was a block of ice—no amount of warmth could ever melt him. That day, Josie dragged every painting she had ever made of him out to the edge of the city. She doused them in gasoline. Then she lit a match. If all her efforts had been in vain, then she would choose to let go. Countless images of Graham's face curled and blackened in the flames, swallowed up and turned to ash. Just like her love for him. She would let him go, once and for all. Erase him completely from her life. Suddenly, her phone rang in her pocket. She answered it and heard the urgent voice of a kindergarten teacher on the other end. "Kira's mom? Something's happened at school. Please come quickly." Chapter 3 A wave of unease washed over Josie. Kira had always been a well-behaved child. She had never once caused trouble at kindergarten. This was the first time a teacher had ever called her like this. She rushed to the school office, only to find Kira standing in the corner, trembling, tears streaming, and hiccupping. Her small face was flushed an alarming shade of red. Across the room, Graham stood with his usual cold, detached expression. Beside him was a little girl and a slender, elegant woman. Josie recognized the woman immediately—Allison Blake, Graham's first love. She clung to his arm with the effortless intimacy of a wife. The two of them looked as though they had always belonged together. And the child by his side? That was Allison's daughter. The moment Josie stepped into the room, she saw the girl grip Graham's arm and burst into tears. "Daddy, she bullied me!" Kira's eyes widened in disbelief. Graham had never once let her call him that. The teachers all assumed Kira came from a single-parent home. But now, another child could openly call him "Daddy" in front of everyone—and he didn't just allow it, he welcomed it. He wrapped the little girl gently in his arms, comforting her in a soft voice. "Don't be scared, Cami. Daddy's here. Daddy will protect you." That tender tone, that loving gaze— Kira had never known any of it. But when Graham turned to look at her, his expression turned hard, glacial. "Who taught you to fight with your classmates? Don't you have any manners? Apologize to Cami right now." Kira flinched under the sharpness of his voice. She clutched her bunny plush tightly. Through her sobs, she stammered, "She… she tore my toy first…" On the desk sat the torn bunny—last night, Graham had brought it home while drunk and muttered that it was a gift for her. Kira had been thrilled. She had fallen asleep holding it, and even brought it to school this morning, unwilling to part with it. But now, Cami Blake pointed at it, furious. "What do you mean your toy? That was for me! My daddy bought it for me! You're a thief!" Thief. To a five-year-old, that word cut deeper than anyone realized. Kira's eyes turned red, her small fingers twisting the hem of her shirt. "I'm not…" She looked up at Graham, desperate for him to defend her. Just once. But he averted his gaze, cold and unmoved. Allison stepped in with a soft smile. "Graham did buy Cami several toys yesterday. She didn't like the bunny, so he took it home. Maybe Kira just happened to have the same one." The sadness in Kira's eyes deepened. So the gift she had treasured—her only gift from her father—was nothing more than a discarded afterthought. Still, she whispered, her voice full of hurt, "But… Daddy gave it to me…" Graham's brows furrowed. He avoided her gaze again and said with indifference, "So what? It's just a toy. You were still wrong to hit someone. You owe Cami an apology." Then he turned on Josie. "Is this the kind of child you raised? Hitting others, then showing no remorse? What kind of mother are you?" Josie felt her heart go cold. She opened her mouth to speak. But Kira tugged her hand. Her eyes were red, her voice urgent. "It's not Mommy's fault. Mommy is the best mom in the world." Then, as if afraid she'd said too much, she wiped her face with her sleeve, gave Josie a trembling smile, and said softly, "It's okay, Mommy. I'll apologize." She knew—if she didn't apologize, Graham wouldn't let this go. And her mother would be blamed. She didn't want that. She didn't want her mom to suffer for her. So, with her little heart breaking, she turned toward Graham and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Holloway." The words landed with a quiet ache, slicing into Josie's heart like a blade. "I'm sorry, Cami." "I'm sorry… Cami's mom." Then she reached out, took Josie's hand, and turned to leave. The teacher, caught off guard by Kira's unusually subdued behavior, blinked and chased after her with the torn bunny in hand. "Kira, you forgot your toy." Kira paused, glanced at it. Then, eyes filled with tears, she shook her head. "I don't want it anymore." Josie stared at her in disbelief. Graham stood frozen at the doorway. A sharp ache bloomed in Josie's chest as she thought, 'Graham… you have two chances left.' Chapter 4 The next day, Josie arrived at the kindergarten to process Kira's withdrawal. The teacher looked surprised. "Why the sudden decision to withdraw her?" Josie replied, "Kira's grandparents live overseas. I'm planning to emigrate with her." Just as she finished speaking, Graham appeared behind her, his face clouded with tension. "Emigrate?" he repeated sharply. The teacher was about to respond, but Josie cut in smoothly, "I said her grandparents moved abroad. If time allows, I'd like to take her to visit them." For some reason, Graham seemed relieved. He placed a folder on the desk. "These are Cami's enrollment documents." The teacher smiled as she accepted the papers, full of praise. "Mr. Holloway, you're so thoughtful. Cami may not be your biological daughter, but the way you handle everything for her, I say you treat her even better than a real parent would." To Josie, the words pierced like needles. Graham had never done anything like that for Kira. If not for his recent run-in with Allison's daughter, he probably wouldn't even know which kindergarten Kira attended. She couldn't help but speak. "Yes, Mr. Holloway really is a wonderful father." Those last two words, she said with deliberate weight. Graham faltered for a moment. He didn't snap back as expected. He simply stood there, silent. Later that afternoon, Josie went to the art museum. A few of her pieces were on display there. She had come to take them down. But as soon as she entered, she saw Graham standing with Allison. The two stood side by side. Allison laughed with relaxed elegance, surrounded by several of Graham's acquaintances from the art world. "I heard you've been secretly married for years," someone teased. "So this must be your wife?" "A perfect match, truly—no wonder you kept her hidden. She's a beauty." As the compliments floated through the air, Graham simply smiled and laced his fingers with Allison's, as if sealing the moment. He made no move to correct them. Standing in the back, Josie let out a quiet, self-mocking laugh. So this was it. From beginning to end, the one he had wanted to marry was always Allison. Now, with the whole world watching, he was finally living that dream—appearing with her in public, hand in hand, no longer hiding. And she—Josie—what had she been? What, exactly, had the past ten years meant? A heart already gone cold began to ache again. Her eyes reddened. "Graham," she called softly. He turned toward her, his gaze sharp and impersonal, a silent warning in his eyes. "What is it?" he asked flatly, his tone distant, drawing a clear boundary. The words she'd meant to say died on her tongue. She had wanted to remind him—tomorrow was Kira's birthday. She had hoped he would remember to come home. But now… it felt pointless. Allison glanced at her and asked lightly, "Graham, do you know her?" Without hesitation, Graham replied, "Not really." Those two words landed like a knife. Josie swallowed the bitterness rising in her throat. Then Allison, as if twisting the blade, smiled and said, "You must be one of Graham's friends? We're getting married soon—we'll be sure to invite you." Josie turned sharply to look at him, stunned. Graham avoided her gaze, eyes shifting away. Allison went on, almost too casually. "Before I went abroad, Graham and I made a ten-year promise. If I returned after ten years, he would marry me. "I thought it was just something we said at the time. But I never imagined… he'd really wait ten years for me. "So now I'm back—to keep my promise." Chapter 5 Josie felt as if something had clutched her heart in a tight, merciless grip. She couldn't breathe. She had stayed by Graham's side for ten years. Ten years of trying to warm a frozen heart. But it hadn't been her fault. It hadn't been that she hadn't tried hard enough. It was simply because Graham had been waiting for Allison all along. No matter what she did, it would never matter. In his heart, there had only ever been one person—Allison. The realization made Josie laugh bitterly. Her voice cracked as she said, "I wish you a happy marriage." With that, Josie turned and walked away. Graham watched her back retreat into the distance. A strange tightness gripped his chest, an uncomfortable weight he couldn't quite place. He stood there, dazed, for a long moment, until Allison tugged gently on his sleeve. "Graham, what are you thinking about?" He blinked out of the fog. "It's nothing," he said, distracted. "I just remembered there's something I need to deal with at the office." Without waiting for her response, he turned and left. … That evening, Josie returned home and began preparing dinner. Kira sat quietly in the living room, drawing with intense focus. Suddenly, the door opened. Josie assumed it was the housekeeper, but then she heard Kira's delighted voice: "Mr. Holloway!" She lit up, eyes wide with joy. "You came home!" Josie hadn't expected him. Ever since Allison's return, Graham had rarely come back to this house. And now, unexpectedly, he was home just in time for dinner. Kira's smile was impossible to hide. She ran to him, only to hesitate midway, uncertain whether she was allowed to get close. So she stood off to the side, carefully watching him. Something in Graham's expression shifted. From behind his back, he pulled out a plush toy and handed it to her. "This is for you." Kira stared at it, stunned. After a long pause, she asked in a small, tentative voice, "It's really for me?" He nodded. The toy was identical to the rabbit plush that had been torn. Graham's expression softened for once. "Cami didn't mean to tear your toy. This is her way of making it up to you." Kira blinked, confused by what he meant. Then he continued, "The school's holding an art contest in a few days. Would you mind giving your spot to Cami?" Her smile froze in place. She looked at the toy in her hands, realization dawning. This wasn't a gift. It was an exchange. A bribe. She had never truly received anything, not without condition. Her eyes turned red as she lowered her head. Graham went on, "Cami just got back from abroad. She needs time to get used to the new environment and new people. We should be kind. It's just a little contest. You can enter again next time." Kira bit her lip. Tears fell silently, one after another. The rabbit plush in her hands now felt unbearably heavy. She asked, voice trembling, "Did you give me this… just so I'd quit the contest?" Graham's brows drew together. "It's not a big deal. What's wrong with giving a new classmate a chance? Have I ever taught you to be so selfish?" Josie couldn't bear to hear another word. She walked over and scooped Kira into her arms. The rabbit plush slipped from Kira's grasp and fell to the floor, but she didn't reach for it. She just buried her face in her mother's shoulder, weeping. Josie carried her into the bedroom, tucked her in gently, then returned to pick up the plush toy. She walked to Graham and handed it back. "No need for this. Kira won't be participating." Graham looked genuinely surprised. "You're okay with it?" He had assumed Josie would stand up for Kira. He hadn't expected her to agree so quickly. Josie's tone was flat. "We weren't planning on joining anyway." Because soon, she would be taking Kira far away from here. 'Graham, you have one chance left,' she thought bitterly. Chapter 6 A long silence filled the room. Graham noticed the redness in Josie's eyes and, for some reason, it unsettled him. He placed the rabbit plush on Kira's desk. Then, turning to Josie, he said, "This was my fault. I owe Kira an apology. If there's anything she wants in the future, just let me know." Josie's heart trembled. She had long since given up on Graham. But as a mother… she still wanted her child to have a happy birthday. She called after him before he could leave. "If you really feel sorry, then just spend tomorrow with Kira. You know how much she's always wanted to be close to you." He paused at the doorway. After a long moment, he agreed. "Alright." Josie let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. At least, just for a while, Kira could feel a little happiness. … The next morning, Kira woke early and waited eagerly in the living room, her eyes full of anticipation. "When is Mr. Holloway taking me to the amusement park?" she asked, clutching her little backpack. Children were easy to please. Just one trip to the amusement park was enough to make them forget all the past disappointments. But noon came and went, and there was still no sign of Graham. Call after call went unanswered. The light in Kira's eyes dimmed by degrees—expectation giving way to disappointment, sadness, then a smile that was far too composed for someone her age. "It's okay," she said softly. "Mom, let's go on our own." Josie's heart ached as she looked at her daughter. Even if he didn't show, she had already decided—she would give Kira a joyful day, no matter what. But just as they arrived at the amusement park, a familiar voice rang out behind them. "Do you want orange-flavored candy, or apple?" Josie froze. Slowly, she turned around. And there was Graham, standing at a stall, gently cradling Cami in his arms, asking which flavor she liked best. Kira's eyes instantly welled with tears. Her lips quivered as she bit down hard, trying to stay quiet. Josie could barely believe what she was seeing. When Graham noticed them, his expression shifted abruptly. He quickly handed Cami to the nanny and strode over, grabbing Josie by the arm and pulling her aside. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, voice cold and full of contempt, like she was some stain he couldn't wash away. Josie held back her tears. "Do you even remember what day it is?" He scowled, convinced she was just stirring up trouble. He had warned her not to appear in front of Allison with Kira. And now she had the nerve to show up here, of all places? "I don't care what day it is," he said sharply. "Just leave. Now." With that, he took her wrist and began dragging her toward the exit. But before they could get far, a familiar voice interrupted. "Graham?" He froze instantly. Letting go of Josie, he cast her a warning glance before turning back with feigned ease. Allison approached with Cami in tow, her gaze briefly flicking toward Josie, sharp and knowing. "Well, if it isn't Kira's mother. What a coincidence. Did you come to play, too?" Graham's eyes burned into Josie's face, as if daring her to say something she'd regret. Josie gave him a bitter smile. "Yes. It's my daughter's birthday." Graham's face stiffened. Only then did he remember—he had promised to spend today with Kira. So this wasn't her showing up to make a scene. She had brought their daughter here to celebrate her birthday. A flicker of unease passed through his eyes. He looked down at Kira—her eyes red, her small body trembling. Something inside him cracked. Allison, catching the moment, smiled sweetly and took his arm. "Well, what a coincidence. It's also Cami's birthday today. Graham even reserved the entire restaurant at a hotel to celebrate Cami's birthday." Josie laughed softly, the sound hollow and full of irony. So that was why he hadn't shown up. He hadn't forgotten—he had simply chosen to celebrate someone else's birthday instead. To him, Kira meant nothing. There was no longer any reason to stay. Josie took Kira's hand and turned to leave. But just then, Allison made a suggestion. "Since Kira and Cami are classmates, and we happened to run into each other today, why not celebrate the girls' birthday together?" Chapter 7 Allison smiled with an air of innocence, but her eyes were unmistakably laced with provocation. Josie declined. "No, thank you. We have other plans." Allison pouted slightly, feigning hurt. "Is it because of what happened between Kira and Cami last time? If it made you uncomfortable, I'm sorry. That was mostly Cami's fault. Let me apologize on her behalf. There's no need to hold a grudge against a child, is there?" Then, turning to Graham, she lowered her voice in self-reproach. "It's my fault. I returned to the country too suddenly, and Cami wasn't used to things here yet. That's probably why she had trouble getting along with her classmates." Graham immediately pulled her into his arms, comforting her gently. But when he looked over at Josie, his eyes turned cold. "If they share the same birthday, what's wrong with celebrating it together?" Josie wanted to tell him that it wasn't the same at all—but before she could speak, Kira tugged on her sleeve. With tear-reddened eyes, the little girl whispered, "It's okay." She, too, wanted to see what kind of child her father truly liked. At five, she couldn't understand favoritism. She only thought she wasn't good enough—that must be why her father didn't love her. The restaurant was decorated like a fairy-tale castle. Cami proudly led the way, soaking in the compliments and admiration. Kira trailed behind, silent and red-eyed, watching everything unfold with a mixture of longing and sorrow. Allison suddenly appeared beside Josie, leaning in close to whisper, "I know about your relationship with Graham." Josie stiffened. She wasn't surprised. From the first time they met at the kindergarten, she had suspected Allison already knew. And now, her reaction confirmed it. Still, Josie couldn't quite understand her motive. "What are you trying to say?" Allison swirled the wine in her glass and smirked, voice tinged with mockery. "I just wanted to see what kind of woman spent ten years with Graham in my place. Turns out, you're not much. He never really cared about you." Her words stabbed deep. Josie let out a bitter laugh. "You're right. To him, I was nothing." So there was nothing left to fight for. After today, she would leave, and take Kira with her. Allison's eyes gleamed with triumph as she waved toward Graham. "Graham, there seems to be a problem with the music for our dance. I heard Josie plays the piano. Why not have her play a tune for us?" Josie looked at her in disbelief. They wanted to dance together, and have her provide the music? Allison's smile deepened, eyes sliding to Graham. He said nothing. But his silence spoke volumes. Josie turned, ready to refuse. But then Allison added casually, "If Josie won't play, then maybe Kira can. I've heard she plays beautifully too." Josie's heart clenched. Graham chimed in, his tone dismissive. "It's just a piano piece. Kira could do it—why can't you?" Josie looked at him for a long moment, then offered a smile so quiet it ached. "Fine. I'll do it." She wouldn't let Kira bear this. She wouldn't let her daughter witness her own father being tender with another woman. Better she take the pain herself. She descended the stairs and sat at the piano tucked into a corner. Allison stood beside Graham, beaming. "Anything is fine, Josie. We're not picky." As she spoke, she leaned naturally against him, her hand resting on his arm. Josie's heart had long since gone numb. She looked at them—this perfect picture of love and triumph—and her lips curved faintly. So be it. If they were so in love, she would play Mariage d'Amour. Her fingers fell onto the keys. Music rose. And suddenly, Graham froze. Chapter 8 Josie played with quiet focus, as if she truly meant to bless them with her music. But Graham's heart began to beat erratically. He glanced at Josie, a flicker of unease crossing his features. He didn't know why she had chosen that piece. His steps faltered, but he didn't even notice. Until Allison let out a startled gasp. He had stepped on her foot. Snapping out of his daze, Graham immediately scooped her into his arms and hurried away to find ointment. The music came to a gentle halt. Josie watched their backs as they disappeared, and told herself—this would be the last time. After today, she would leave with Kira. She slipped into the restroom to compose herself, unaware that Kira had wandered to the cake table. The lavish three-tier cake stood before her, and her eyes reddened. Not once had Graham ever shared a cake with her. She knew this one wasn't meant for her, but still, she couldn't help it. She reached out and cut a small slice. Let her pretend, just for a moment, that this cake was from her father. That was the thought she clung to. But just as she made the first cut, Cami rushed over and smacked the plate from her hands. "You little thief! How dare you steal my cake!" Kira paled instantly and shook her head. "I'm not a thief." She had only wanted to know what cake from her father might taste like. But Cami didn't care. She shoved Kira hard and screamed, "You are a thief! You stole my daddy! Your mom is a thief too! She stole my mommy's man! Neither of you belong here—go away!" Hearing someone insult her mother, Kira scrambled up, desperate to defend her. "My mom isn't like that!" The shouting escalated. The girls shoved each other near the entrance. Cami, stronger by nature, suddenly pushed Kira out the door. She lost her footing and fell hard onto the edge of the flowerbed. Her little face went pale in an instant. Cami froze, startled. Then—perhaps out of guilt, perhaps out of calculation—she flung herself onto the ground and began to wail as if she'd been the one hurt. Hearing the commotion, Josie rushed over, only to see Kira lying motionless in a pool of blood, her face deathly white. Her hands trembled violently. Panic overtook her as she gathered her daughter in her arms and shouted for help. Graham arrived moments later. When he saw the scene, his face went white as well. He stepped forward to check on Kira— But Allison called out just then, panic in her voice. "Graham! Cami fainted!" He froze. A flicker of hesitation crossed his face, then he turned and ran toward Cami. Josie stood there, staring at his retreating back in disbelief. Her entire body chilled. She held her bleeding daughter close and rushed to the hospital. Thankfully, the injury wasn't life-threatening. But the doctors said Kira should stay overnight for observation. Midnight came. Graham never appeared. Not even a phone call. Josie sat by Kira's bedside, eyes full of guilt and pain. But Kira only looked at her and smiled, trying to ease her mother's worry. "It's okay if Daddy doesn't come." Josie's heart clenched. "It's okay if he doesn't like me," Kira added quietly. "I still have you, Mommy. That's enough. Mommy, let's leave this place." There was no trace of longing in her eyes now. She was done hoping. The image of her father walking away without looking back would forever be etched in her memory. If nothing she did could make him love her, then it was better to leave. Josie burst into tears and pulled Kira into a tight embrace. The next morning, Josie checked Kira out of the hospital. They got into a cab headed for the airport. Before boarding, she sent Graham one final message: [Goodbye forever.] Then she deleted every trace of him from her phone. Every number. Every thread. Every contact. 'Graham, you've used up all three chances. From now on, there's nothing left between us.'