McNeil frowned at Gwyneth. “You ate candy? When was this?”

Gwyneth glanced at McNeil’s car, catching a glimpse of Violet’s clothes through the window. So Violet was here too?

Afraid her dad would blame Violet, she quickly explained, “It was that day I had cotton candy.”

The day Gwyneth got lost had started with her begging for cotton candy. McNeil had bought some, but by the time he returned, she had disappeared. When they finally found her, it was the cotton candy that finally soothed her tears.

McNeil seemed satisfied with her answer. “No more sweets from now on, alright?”

Gwyneth nodded, avoiding looking at the car.

Violet had already seen them, but she hadn’t expected Victoria to come pick up Gwyneth as well.

She’d been about to get out, but hesitated and chose to stay in the car instead. McNeil could handle things; there was no need for her to get involved.

Besides, the past few days had been so busy at the company with the new project in development. She’d only managed to come out today because she wanted to spend time with McNeil and maybe remind herself why being Mrs. Langford was worth it.

Honestly, everything she had depended on McNeil. Being with him was more important than work. As for everyone else, she could choose to keep her distance.

“Are you going home with Mom or Dad?” Victoria asked, her eyes flicking to the car. She wasn’t blind-the shadowy figure behind the half-lowered window clearly wasn’t McNeil’s assistant.

Gwyneth didn’t answer as quickly as she used to. She looked up at her mom, not wanting to leave her, but worried Violet might be upset.

But her teeth ached, and she shrank closer to Victoria, whispering, “I want to go home with Mom.”

Victoria was surprised, but nodded. McNeil showed no emotion and just patted his daughter’s head.

“Daddy has some things to finish up. I’ll see you at home tonight.”

Gwyneth wanted to ask if Victoria would be staying over too, but with Violet in the car, she kept quiet.

“Okay,” she agreed, hurrying into Victoria’s car.

She stole a glance at her dad’s car. Violet didn’t get out, didn’t even look her way. A wave of disappointment washed over Gwyneth.

Whenever Violet was around, Gwyneth was always the first to run up and hug her, expecting her to be just as happy to see her. But today, Violet didn’t even come out to say hello.

“Gwyn, does your tooth still hurt?” Victoria asked, her heart aching at the sight of her daughter’s red, swollen cheek.

“Yeah. It hurts—” Gwyneth replied, her voice small. The school nurse had cleaned her teeth and sternly told her no more late-night sweets, and to always brush before bed.

Maybe Mom was right after all, Gwyneth thought. Maybe her tooth hurt because she hadn’t listened.

“Mom-” Gwyneth threw herself into Victoria’s arms, not sure why thinking of Violet made her so sad today. Why hadn’t Violet even come out to see her?

“Don’t eat anything you shouldn’t while your mouth is sore. Remember to brush your teeth before bed. If you feel unwell, just rest. I’ll tell your teacher you’re taking the night off from homework, and tonight I’ll stay with you, okay?”

Every time Victoria gave advice, she watched Gwyneth’s face for any sign of irritation. If Gwyneth didn’t mind, she’d continue.

Her marriage to McNeil was over, but no matter what, she didn’t want that to affect Gwyneth’s well-being or make her resent her mother. After all, Gwyneth was her only child her precious girl. No one could ever replace her.

“Okay, I understand.”

Victoria looked down at the soft crown of Gwyneth’s head, pausing for a moment. It seemed like, overnight, her little girl had grown up.