Ethan stepped closer. “Look, we can talk about this. Maybe we misunderstood each other. I was under a lot of pressure, okay? I didn’t mean what I said.”
That was when Sophie Lane walked in, holding Emma in her arms. “That you couldn’t afford to support a ‘jobless woman’?” she said calmly. “Because you were very clear about that, Ethan.”
Lauren turned to me. “Ms. Hawthorne… should I submit my resignation?”
I met her gaze. “You’re competent at your job, Lauren. I’m not firing you for marrying my ex. But there will be boundaries. Ethan will never step foot in my office. Ever.”
She nodded silently.
Ethan, now pale, tried one last time. “But I’m her father—”
“—who left while I was in labor,” I cut in. “You’re free to apply for visitation through the courts. Just don’t expect special treatment.”
He stared at me. “You’re really going to act like I don’t exist?”
I smiled. “No. I’m going to treat you like a man who made his choice.”
He said nothing after that.
As they left, Lauren didn’t reach for his hand.
She looked like someone who had just realized the beautiful house she’d moved into had no foundation.
I turned back to my daughter and kissed her forehead.