Page 41 of Shattered Dreams

My smile vanishes as I wonder when she got so damn smart.

I’ve only got myself to thank. Explaining to our daughter why my wife is away with anotherfuckingman.

"Uh, yeah. You know they're friends, right?"

She looks up at me through her dark lashes, and I'm reminded of Ava so much I almost cry.

"Bestfriends, Daddy." She tuts, reprimanding me.

"Yeah." My voice sounds hollow. "Best friends."

Thatbastard.

"So they've gone away to have a break. Mommy will come back soon. She's been gone for four days."

Too long.

"I miss Mommy, do you?" She looks up at me suddenly, and I swallow, nodding as she smiles brightly. "When she's back, shallwe all watch a movie like we used to? Before you got busy with work?"

Fucking hell.

My heart skips a beat as I nod, staring at her in awe as she continues.

"It's been really nice having you here, Daddy. I missed you before."

I feel like someone's plunging knives into my gut. The fact that I could've been spending timehere, with my wife and child, instead of being with another woman makes me sick to my core.Good! Feel that guilt! You fucked up badly!

"I'm sorry, baby. I promise I'll always be here."

"You can't break promises, Daddy," Poppy warns, looking at me with wide eyes. "Mommy said if you break a promise, you break someone's heart. You don't want to do that, do you?"

I feel like my mouth is full of cotton wool, and I nod as tears come into my eyes.

"Daddy! Why are you crying, silly?"

"Because I love you and your Mommy so much." I pull her into my arms, burying my face in her little neck as she squeezes me back.

"We love you too, Daddy."

Except Mommy doesn’t, Pops; not anymore.

And it’s all my fault.

FLASHBACK: Annie & Roman

Annie brushesher lips on mine, her long legs wrapping around my thighs as she continues to ride me. She is magnificent to look at—all tanned skin and sun-kissed hair, her breasts moving with each motion.

"Oh, Roman, oh god..."

She throws her head back as I grip her hips, thrusting up to meet each movement, hoping she hurries up. I can't be late again, or Ava will start to suspect something. Finally, I come, and moments later, Annie shudders above me, her mouth open as she grips my shoulders.

"Please stay." She pouts as I lift her off me.

I pull off the condom, wondering whyevery timeI come to end things with her, we end up in bed.

"You know I can't, Annie." I pull my pants on as she watches me with a hurt expression.

"So, what am I? Just some girl you come and screw because you're bored of your frumpy wife?" she snaps, and I look up at her, shaking my head as I pull my shirt back on.