Saturday morning came, and Ethan’s phone buzzed with a message. It was from Ella.
Ella: I’m sorry I haven’t reached out. The boys are doing fine. I hope you’re well.
Ethan’s heart skipped a beat. He hadn’t heard from Ella in what felt like forever, and seeing her message brought a wave of relief. He re-read it a few times, feeling something loosen in his chest. His mind had been tangled with thoughts of Ella, the boys, and everything that had unraveled in their lives. But her message, brief as it was, reassured him that they were okay.
Determined to push aside the drama for a while, Ethan decided to dedicate the day to his daughter. He had been so consumed by work and the chaos surrounding Tania and Ella that he hadn’t spent quality time with Grace in ages.
“Grace, get ready,” he called as he entered her room, finding her sprawled on the bed with a book. “We’re going to the amusement park today.”
Grace’s face lit up. “Really, Dad?!”
“Really. Just you and me. Let’s go.”
They spent the entire day at the amusement park, riding every ride that Grace wanted to, eating cotton candy, and laughing together as they played arcade games. For the first time in what felt like years, Ethan felt the weight of his complicated life lift as he watched Grace giggle and beam with excitement. It reminded him of simpler times, back when his world was just about being a good father and husband, before everything got so tangled.
By the time they got home, it was late, and Grace was still bubbling with joy as she ran into the house. “Daddy! Did you see how fast that roller coaster was?” she asked, her eyes wide with excitement.
Ethan smiled. “I did, Grace. You were so brave, you rode it so well.”
Just then, Tania’s cold voice sliced through the moment. “Where have you two been?” she asked, startling Grace, who turned to her with a mixture of a wide smile and a trace of apprehension.
“We went to the amusement park, Mommy,” Grace said cheerfully. “We had so much fun! There were snacks and rides and…..”
Tania cut her off sharply. “And why wasn’t I invited?”
Ethan sighed, his patience wearing thin. “It was just a father-daughter day, Tania,” he said, his voice curt.
Tania’s eyes narrowed for a second before softening with a predatory glint. “Well then, why don’t we have some husband and wife time, Ethan? It’s been so long since you’ve touched me,” she purred, moving closer to him and wrapping her arms around his waist seductively.
Ethan immediately stiffened, pulling away from her touch. He glanced at Grace, still standing there, wide-eyed. “Have some decency, Tania. Grace is still in the room,” he said, his voice hard as he gently pushed her arms off him.
Tania’s face twisted with irritation, but she didn’t say anything more as Ethan picked up Grace. “Come on, sweetie, let’s get you ready for bed,” he said, carrying his daughter upstairs.
After Grace changed into her pajamas, she sat on her bed, her little brows furrowed with concern. “Daddy, does Mommy hate me?”
Ethan’s heart broke at the question. He knelt down beside her bed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “No, Grace. Mommy doesn’t hate you. She’s just… tired. She’s been working a lot lately.”
Grace nodded slowly, though her eyes still held a trace of doubt. “Okay, Daddy. Good night.”
He kissed her on the forehead. “Good night, princess.”
As he left her room and locked the door behind him, he found himself dreading the confrontation waiting for him in his own bedroom.