Chapter 1

The villa smelled of polished wood and faint lavender, a scent Diana had spent ten years cultivating to make the place feel like home.

She stood in the kitchen, her hands dusted with flour as she kneaded dough for Lily’s favorite bread.

The soft hum of the radio filled the silence, a gentle backdrop to the rhythm of her fingers pressing into the dough.

It was a Saturday, and the late afternoon sun spilled through the windows, casting long shadows across the tiled floor.

For a moment, everything felt peaceful, even.

She glanced at the clock.

Ryan would be home soon.

Maybe they’d take Lily to the park later like they used to when she was smaller.

The front door creaked open, shattering her reverie.

Diana wiped her hands on her apron and turned, expecting to see Ryan’s familiar frame, perhaps with a tired smile after a long day.

Instead, she froze.

He stepped inside, his broad shoulders filling the doorway, but he wasn’t alone.

A woman trailed behind him, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, and a small girl clung to her hand, wide-eyed and hesitant.

The air thickened, the lavender scent suddenly cloying.

“Ryan?” Diana’s voice came out softer than she intended, a question hanging between them.

He didn’t look at her.

Didn’t even acknowledge her.

He guided the woman and child inside, his movements deliberate, as if this were the most natural thing in the world.

“This is Selena,” he said finally, his tone clipped like he was stating a fact about the weather.

“And her daughter, Rose. They’ll be staying here for a while.”

Diana’s stomach twisted.

She opened her mouth to respond, but the words caught in her throat.

Selena offered a small, tight-lipped smile, her eyes flickering over Diana as if sizing her up.

Rose peeked out from behind her mother, her small fingers clutching Selena’s skirt.

Diana’s gaze darted back to Ryan, searching for an explanation, but he was already moving toward the stairs, gesturing for Selena to follow.

“Diana, can you get some blankets?” he called over his shoulder, not waiting for an answer.

She stood rooted to the spot, the dough forgotten on the counter.

The radio droned on, some cheerful tune that felt mocking now.

Slowly, she untied her apron and set it aside, her hands trembling as she moved to the linen closet.

Who were they?

Why hadn’t he said anything?

Ten years of marriage, ten years of quiet respect, of building a life together flashed through her mind.

They’d met under strange circumstances, a deal struck with Ryan’s mother, Claire, to erase her family’s crippling two-million-dollar debt.

Diana had agreed to stay with him, to make it work.

And she had.

She’d poured her heart into their marriage, into raising Lily, into turning this house into a sanctuary.

They’d been happy, hadn’t they?

By the time she returned with the blankets, Selena and Rose were settled in the guest room.

Ryan emerged, his jaw tight, avoiding her eyes.

“They’ve been through a lot,” he muttered.

“Her husband died. Car accident. They need a place to stay.”

Diana nodded mutely, clutching the blankets to her chest.

She wanted to ask more why here, why now, why them but the hardness in his expression stopped her.

Instead, she handed him the blankets and retreated to the kitchen, where Lily sat at the table, her crayons scattered across a half-finished drawing.

“Who’s that, Mommy?” Lily asked, her six-year-old voice bright with curiosity.

Diana forced a smile.

“Just some guests, sweetheart. Friends of Daddy’s.”

Lily beamed, oblivious to the tension coiling in her mother’s chest.

“Can I play with the girl? She looks my age.”

“We’ll see,” Diana said, brushing a strand of hair from Lily’s face.

“Finish your drawing first.”

The days that followed were a slow unraveling.

Ryan was distant, his attention fixed on Selena and Rose.

He’d come home late, then spend hours talking with Selena in hushed tones Diana couldn’t decipher.

She’d catch glimpses of him carrying Rose on his shoulders or fetching her water, gestures he hadn’t made for Lily in months.

Diana tried to ignore it, to focus on Lily and the routines that had once grounded her.

But Selena’s presence was inescapable.

One afternoon, when Ryan was at work, Selena found Diana in the living room, folding laundry.

She perched on the edge of the couch, her posture casual but her eyes sharp.

“You know,” she began, her voice smooth as silk, “Ryan and I were inseparable once.”

“Back before everything fell apart.”

“He’d move mountains for me, you know? Said I was his whole world.”

Diana’s hands stilled on a shirt, her pulse quickening.

She didn’t respond, but Selena pressed on, undeterred.

“We were so in love.”

“I thought we’d be together forever.”

“Funny how life works, isn’t it?”

The words stung, each one a needle pricking at Diana’s carefully built resolve.

She forced a vague, “Mm-hmm,” and kept folding, her movements mechanical.

Selena watched her for a moment longer, then stood and sauntered away, leaving the air heavy with unspoken implications.

That night, Diana watched Ryan from across the dinner table.

He was laughing at something Rose had said, his eyes crinkling in a way they hadn’t for Lily in ages.

Lily sat beside her, picking at her food, her small face clouded with confusion.

Diana reached for her daughter’s hand under the table, squeezing it gently.

She’d always believed Ryan loved her, loved their family.

Ten years of shared mornings, quiet evenings, and Lily’s giggles had convinced her of that.

But now, with Selena’s words echoing in her mind and Ryan’s indifference glaringly apparent, doubt crept in.

Later, as she tucked Lily into bed, Diana replayed the past decade.

She’d honored her end of the deal with Claire, staying with Ryan even when the debt was long paid.

She’d treated him with respect, and built a life she thought he cherished too.

They’d been a family harmonious, happy, or so she’d thought.

But Selena’s arrival had peeled back a layer of Ryan she hadn’t seen before, a side that favored another woman and her child over his own.

Had she been naive all along, clinging to a love that wasn’t real?

She kissed Lily’s forehead and turned off the light, the room plunging into darkness.

Downstairs, she heard Ryan’s voice, low and warm, talking to Selena.

Diana closed her eyes, the sound cutting deeper than she wanted to admit.

For the first time in ten years, the villa didn’t feel like home.

Chapter 2

The morning sun filtered through the curtains of Lily’s room, casting a warm glow over her collection of stuffed animals.

She sat cross-legged on the floor, her dark hair tumbling over her shoulders as she arranged her dolls in a semicircle.

Diana watched from the doorway, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite the heaviness in her chest.

Lily had been buzzing with excitement since Rose arrived.

“She’s about my age, Mommy!” she’d said the night before, her eyes bright with the prospect of a friend.

Diana hadn’t had the heart to dampen her enthusiasm, even as Selena’s presence gnawed at her.

“Lily, why don’t you take Rose outside to play?” Diana suggested, stepping into the room.

“It’s a nice day.”

Lily’s face lit up.

She scrambled to her feet, clutching her favorite doll, a floppy-eared bunny she’d named Pudding.

“Can I give her Pudding to play with?” she asked.

“I want to share.”

Diana nodded, her throat tightening at her daughter’s generosity.

“That’s sweet of you, baby. Go ask her.”

Minutes later, the two girls were in the backyard, their laughter drifting through the open kitchen window where Diana stood washing dishes.

She glanced out, watching as Lily led Rose by the hand toward the swing set.

Rose, with her shy demeanor and delicate features, seemed hesitant at first, but Lily’s chatter soon coaxed a smile from her.

They took turns pushing each other on the swings, Lily’s voice ringing out as she explained how Pudding liked to “fly” when the swing went high.

She handed Pudding to Rose, who clutched it as she swung.

For a moment, Diana let herself relax.

Maybe this could work.

Maybe Lily having a playmate would soften the edges of the tension that had settled over the house.

The peace shattered with a sudden cry.

Diana dropped the sponge and rushed to the window, her heart lurching.

Rose was sprawled on the grass beneath the swing, clutching her knee, her face scrunched in pain.

Lily stood frozen beside her, Pudding dangling from her hand.

Before Diana could move, the back door slammed open, and Ryan stormed into the yard.

His footsteps were heavy, his expression dark as he knelt beside Rose.

“What happened?” he demanded, his voice sharp enough to cut through the air.

Lily’s small voice trembled as she answered.

“We were swinging, and she wanted to jump off like me, but she fell.”

“I didn’t push her, Daddy, I promise!”

Ryan didn’t look at her.

He scooped Rose into his arms, brushing dirt from her skirt as she whimpered.

“You need to learn better than this, Lily,” he snapped, his gaze finally flicking to his daughter.

“You’re too young to be so careless.”

“But I didn’t ” Lily started, her eyes welling with tears.

Diana hurried outside, the grass cool against her bare feet.

“Ryan, she said it was an accident. They were just playing.”

He turned on her, his jaw tight.

“An accident?”

“She’s supposed to look out for her, Diana, not let her get hurt.”

“You’re her mother, teach her how to behave.”

The words stung, a slap she hadn’t seen coming.

Diana stepped closer, placing a protective hand on Lily’s shoulder.

“She’s six, Ryan.”

“She didn’t mean any harm.”

“Rose wanted to jump too Lily was only trying to include her.”

Ryan’s eyes narrowed, but before he could respond, Selena appeared at the back door, her expression a perfect mask of concern.

“Oh, Rose, honey, are you okay?”

She hurried over, crouching beside Ryan and smoothing her daughter’s hair.

“I’m so sorry, Diana.”

“I should’ve been watching them.”

“It’s my fault.”

Her apology was soft, almost theatrical, and it only fueled the fire in Ryan’s glare.

“No, Selena, it’s not your fault,” he said, his tone softening for her in a way it hadn’t for Diana.

“Diana, you need to do better.”

“Lily can’t just run wild like this.”

Diana’s chest tightened, her fingers digging into Lily’s shoulder as she fought to keep her voice steady.

“She wasn’t running wild.”

“They were playing together.”

“Rose isn’t hurt badly, just a scrape.”

Ryan stood, lifting Rose with him.

“That’s not the point.”

“She could’ve been.”

He turned away, carrying Rose toward the house, Selena trailing behind with a lingering glance at Diana that felt more like a smirk than an apology.

Lily sniffled, her small hand clutching Pudding tighter.

“I didn’t mean it, Mommy.”

“I just wanted her to have fun.”

“I know, sweetheart,” Diana murmured, kneeling to pull her daughter into a hug.

“It’s not your fault.”

“Daddy’s just… upset.”

But as she held Lily, Diana’s mind raced.

She remembered how Ryan used to be with their daughter, how he’d scoop her up after a tumble and kiss her scraped knees.

How he’d laugh and call her his little adventurer.

That Ryan was gone, replaced by this man who scolded Lily for the sake of his first love’s daughter.

She glanced toward the house, where Selena’s voice cooed over Rose, and Ryan’s low murmurs joined in.

The contrast was unbearable.

Later that evening, Diana sat on the edge of Lily’s bed, brushing her daughter’s hair as she recounted the day.

“Rose said she liked Pudding,” Lily said quietly, her earlier tears dried but her voice still small.

“I thought she’d be my friend.”

“She still might be,” Diana offered, though the words felt hollow.

“Sometimes people just need time.”

Lily nodded, but her eyes stayed downcast.

Diana tucked her in, pressing a kiss to her forehead, and lingered by the door after turning off the light.

Downstairs, she could hear Ryan and Selena talking, their voices a muffled hum through the floorboards.

She sank onto the couch, her hands twisting in her lap as memories of Ryan’s past kindness to Lily clashed with the coldness she’d just witnessed.

For Selena’s daughter, he’d turned on his own.

And that truth cut deeper than Diana could bear.

Chapter 3

The sun shone bright over the villa that Saturday morning, spilling golden light into the kitchen.

Diana stood by the stove, flipping pancakes, the sweet smell mixing with the faint lavender she loved.

Lily sat at the table, her crayons scratching across a page as she drew a big, colorful Ferris wheel.

Her dark hair fell over her face, and she stuck her tongue out a little, focused hard. At six years old, she’d been talking about the amusement park nonstop dreaming of rides, cotton candy, and fun.

Diana smiled at her, hoping today could be special, maybe a day to bring their family closer. Things had been tense lately, and she wanted something good for them all.

“Mommy, can we go to the park today?” Lily asked, looking up with big, hopeful eyes. “I want Daddy to take me on the Ferris wheel!”

Diana turned the pancake, her heart lifting. “Maybe, sweetheart. Let’s see what Daddy says.” She glanced at the clock. Ryan would be up soon. She pictured them all together laughing, sharing snacks, like they used to when Lily was little. It felt like a dream worth chasing.

The living room door swung open, and Ryan walked in, jingling his car keys. He looked tired, his broad shoulders slouched, his face set in a frown.

“I’m taking Selena and Rose to the amusement park,” he said, like it was no big deal. He didn’t even look at Diana, just grabbed his jacket from the chair.

Lily dropped her crayon, her face lighting up. “Can I come, Daddy? Please? I’ve never been! I want to ride the Ferris wheel with you!” Her voice was so excited, it filled the room.

Ryan stopped, his hand on the jacket. He sighed, like her words annoyed him. “Not today, Lily,” he said, still not looking at her. “It’s just for Rose. She’s had a hard time lately.” His tone was flat, final.

Lily’s smile faded fast. Her shoulders slumped, and she stared at her drawing, the Ferris wheel suddenly looking lonely.

Diana put the spatula down, her hands shaking a little. “Ryan,” she said, keeping her voice calm, “Lily’s been asking about the park for weeks. We could all go. It’d be a fun family day.”

He finally turned, his eyes sharp with irritation. “I said no, Diana. Selena planned this for Rose. That’s it.” He zipped his jacket, ready to leave.

Before Diana could say more, Selena stepped into the kitchen, Rose holding her hand. Selena’s dark hair fell over her shoulders, and she smiled a little too sweetly.

“Oh, it’d be nice if they came along,” she said, her voice soft but fake.

“The girls could play together.” She looked at Diana, her eyes gleaming like she was daring her to argue.

Ryan shrugged, giving in but not happy about it. “Fine. Get ready,” he muttered, already heading for the door. It didn’t feel like a win just him giving up. Diana swallowed hard, pushing down the hurt, and turned to Lily. “Let’s go, sweetie. Grab your shoes.”

An hour later, they were in the car, driving to the park. Lily bounced in the backseat, talking fast about rides and snacks.

“I want a balloon, and maybe a hot dog!” she said, her excitement bubbling over. Diana sat up front, her hands tight in her lap, watching Ryan drive. He stared straight ahead, quiet, like he was somewhere else.

Selena and Rose sat in the back too, Selena whispering to her daughter. Diana wanted this day to fix things, but her stomach twisted with doubt.

The amusement park was loud and bright when they got there. Kids ran everywhere, laughing and shouting.

Rides spun and whirred, and the air smelled like sugar and popcorn. Ryan walked ahead, holding Rose’s hand, Selena right beside them.

Lily skipped next to Diana, her eyes huge as she took it all in the carousel with its pretty horses, the roller coasters zooming high, the colorful balloons floating above.

“Daddy, look!” Lily called, pointing at a man selling big, shiny balloons. “Can we get one? Please?” Her voice was so happy, it made Diana’s chest ache.

But Ryan didn’t turn. He stopped at a cart instead, buying a fluffy pink cotton candy. “Here you go, sweetheart,” he said to Rose, his voice warm and soft.

Rose giggled, pulling at the sticky strands, and Ryan patted her head, smiling.

Lily slowed down, her hand squeezing Diana’s. “I like cotton candy too,” she said quietly, almost to herself. Diana knelt down, brushing Lily’s hair back.

“We’ll get some later, okay?” she said, faking a big smile. “How about the carousel first?” Lily nodded, but her eyes stayed on her dad.

They walked to the carousel, its music bouncy and bright. Diana helped Lily onto a blue horse with a golden mane.

The ride started, and the horses went up and down, spinning slow. Diana stood close, holding Lily’s hand, but Lily kept looking over at Ryan.

He was far off now, lifting Rose up to see a game booth, laughing loud enough to hear over the noise. Lily’s smile slipped away, her little face growing sad.

When the ride stopped, Diana led Lily back toward the others. Ryan was at the game booth, tossing rings onto bottles.

He won a stuffed bear and handed it to Rose, who hugged it tight. “Good job, kiddo,” he said, grinning. Lily stood nearby, watching, her hands empty. She didn’t say anything, just starred as Rose snuggled her new toy.

“Having fun?” Selena’s voice came from behind Diana. She held an ice cream cone, her smile too perfect.

“Ryan’s so sweet with Rose, isn’t he? He’s always been great with her.” Her words felt like a poke, sharp and mean under the nice tone.

Diana nodded, her jaw tight. “He’s good like that,” she said, keeping it short. She didn’t want to play Selena’s game.

Selena handed her the ice cream and walked off, leaving Diana with a cold cone she didn’t want. She turned to Lily, who sat on a bench now, kicking at the ground. “Want to try some games?” Diana asked, sitting beside her.

“Okay,” Lily said, her voice small. They went to a booth with bean bags, tossing them at a target.

Lily threw one, but it missed, landing in the dirt. She sighed, looking over at Ryan again. He was buying Rose a little toy car now, his back to them. “Daddy doesn’t want me here, does he?” Lily asked, her eyes big and shiny with tears.

Diana’s heart broke. She dropped to her knees, holding Lily’s face gently. “Oh, sweetie, he’s just busy today,” she said, hating how weak it sounded.

“But I’m here, and I want you here. We’ll have our own fun, okay?” Lily nodded, but the hurt didn’t leave her face.

Diana hugged her tight, looking over her shoulder at Ryan. He was laughing with Rose, like Lily wasn’t even there.

Anger burned in her chest, mixing with the sadness. She couldn’t let this keep happening. Lily deserved better than a dad who didn’t see her.

From now on, Diana promised herself, she’d make sure Lily felt loved, no matter what Ryan did.