My Ex-wife, My Destination

Daisy’s P. O. V.

Next Day

I invite Ella over for dinner. She just returned yesterday from a business trip that lasted a few months. She already knows what’s been going on in my life, about Luke.

As I open the door, her first words are, “My God, D. You’re glowing.”

My cheeks turn red, and I tuck a hair strand behind my ear. “Really?”

“Hell, yes!” She gives me a firm hug. “I told you sex can do wonders.” She winks at me, causing my eyes to widen.

“Shut up, Ella,” I chide her, slightly hitting her arm. “Don’t say that word. I have a four-year-old daughter.”

She laughs. “Oh, that naughty little girl. I can’t wait to meet her. I missed her so much.”

“Then come on in.” I step aside, giving her a way to enter. “She is also excited to meet you.”

Ella steps inside, her eyes admiring the villa. I lead her to the living room where Luke and Hope are playing with blocks.

“Hello, Hope.” Ella’s words catch their attention.

Hope rushes toward her, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “Mommy’s friend, where were you? Hope missed you.”

She crouches down to her level and embraces her. “I missed you too, little munchkin.”

As they pull apart, Hope questions, “Do you know what I missed the most about you?”

Luke walks over and stands beside me.

“What?” Ella gives her a clueless look.

“I missed annoying you.” Hope places her hand over her mouth and lets out a giggle, causing us to smile.

“Such a naughty kid you are, Hope.” As Ella tickles her, her laughter fills the room.

As Ella stands up, Hope tells her, her eyes shimmering with delight, “Mommy’s friend, do you know I made my uncle my daddy?”

“Really?” Ella reacts as if she doesn’t know.

“Yes.” Hope chirps, wrapping her tiny arms around Luke’s legs. “I finally found the best daddy in the world.”

A smile spreads across Luke’s face, and he strokes Hope’s hair, looking at Ella. “Hello, Ella.”

Ella grins and steps closer, giving Luke a handshake. “Hello, Luke. It’s great to see you again.” She turns her attention back to me. “I’m so happy for you, D. You’ve got a beautiful family you deserve.”

I beam, feeling grateful for everything-Luke, our daughter, our small world filled with immense joy.

After a while, we settle down at the dining table, enjoying the food I prepared. I’m seated beside Ella, while Hope and Luke sit across from us.

Munching on her cookies, Hope asks, “Mommy’s friend, do you know what I found yesterday in our home?”

I freeze, exchanging a quick, panicked glance with Luke.

Oh, God! Please stay quiet, Hope.

Ella raises an eyebrow, looking intrigued. “What did you find, sweetie?”Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Handcuffs!” Hope exclaims proudly, causing Ella to choke on her drink while I hide my face behind my hands, embarrassed.

Shit! Ella will now tease me like hell.

“Hope, can’t you keep your mouth shut,” I murmur to myself, feeling like disappearing for a few minutes.

“Oh, really?” Ella’s eyes twinkle with amusement. “Why were handcuffs in your house?”

Luke quickly interjects, “They belong to my friend, who is a police officer. He left them here by mistake.”

Ella nods in response before leaning close to my ear, grinning. “Wow! D, I can’t believe you’re into that kinky stuff,” Ella whispers, her voice filled with mischief, causing me to blush.

“Ella, stop it.” Ignoring my embarrassment, I nudge her, hoping she’ll drop the subject.

But of course, she doesn’t. “Seriously, D, handcuffs? I never would have guessed.”

I shoot her a warning look, but she just laughs, clearly enjoying teasing me.

“Mommy’s friend, come with me. I’ll show you my new toys, which Daddy got for me.” Hope interrupts, pulling Ella’s hand excitedly.

Thank God!

I breathe a sigh of relief as Hope leads Ella away.

“Hope is such a chatterbox.” Luke chuckles, shaking his head.

“You’re laughing, Luke. I was so embarrassed.” I pout at him.

He rises from his chair and strolls toward me with a smile on his face. “Don’t be embarrassed, darling.” He leans down, wrapping his arms around my neck from behind. “We haven’t committed a crime.” He nuzzles my neck, causing my cheeks to heat up.

“Luke, not now.” I stand up, pushing him away. “Ella and Hope will be back any minute.”

A chuckle escapes his lips. “Have I ever told you that you look so adorable when you blush?” He pulls my cheeks, eliciting a giggle from me.

***

A Few Days Later

Luke has taken me on a date at a luxurious restaurant after dropping Hope off at school. He takes me out every few days, but I still feel butterflies in my stomach like it’s the first time.

I can’t believe it’s been almost three months since he took me to my favourite cafe for our first date. Time has flown since Luke entered my life. I have no worries about anything, except a fear of losing him and all this turning out to be a dream. I always wonder how I can be so lucky. How can someone love me so much?

“Hey, where did you get lost?” Luke snaps his fingers, jolting me back to reality.

“Nothing.” I rest my head on his shoulder, holding his arm. “It’s just that I feel so lucky to have you.”

He places a kiss on my head. “You deserve all my love, Butterfly.” I raise my head and seal his lips with mine.

After a while, I come to the washroom to pee. When I return, I freeze in my place, seeing the sight.

I find Olivia sitting on Luke’s lap, and their lips are locked. My entire body trembles as I notice Luke’s hand. It’s on her breasts.

No, no. This can’t be true.

I rub my eyes and look again, but they’re still there and kissing. I feel as if someone has ripped out my heart from my chest and stomped on it.

My breath becomes heavy, and I just hurry out of there before I faint.

Warm liquid flows down my cheeks as I come out.

“Daisy, I didn’t cheat on you. I have never slept with any woman since I married you, not even after our divorce.”

“I promise, I’ll never let you yearn for love and happiness again in your life, Butterfly.”

“It’s just the beginning, Butterfly. I’m going to spoil you with all the love I have.”

“I’ll wait for you, no matter how long it takes, because you’re my destination.”

I wander on the road, his words ringing in my mind, driving me insane.

It was all a lie. He never changed. He fooled me.

But everything felt so genuine. He made me feel so special.

Perhaps I couldn’t see the truth because I always become blind when it comes to Luke. My craving for love made me believe in a fantasy that never existed because nobody can change like Luke. My legs feel weak as I wander through the city.

I reach a park and collapse onto a bench, my body wracked with sobs. How could he do this to me again?

My phone buzzes, but I don’t have the strength to look at it. I know it’s probably Luke, trying to explain or fool me again with his lies.

But right now, I can’t bear to hear his voice. Minutes pass, maybe an hour, and I finally gather the courage to look at my phone. There are unlimited missed calls and messages from Luke.

“Daisy, please let me explain.”

“It’s not what it looked like.”

“Call me. Please.”

I shut off my phone, not ready to face him or his lies. I will never let him fool me again.