54

Arriving at his father's house, Asher found Mia sitting on the couch, still wearing a defiant expression. She looked up as he entered, but her stubborn demeanor didn't waver.

"Mia, we need to talk," Asher said, trying to keep his voice calm.

"I don't want to talk to you!" she retorted, crossing her arms.

Asher took a seat next to her, trying to connect with his daughter. "I know you're upset, but you can't behave this way. You spilled oil on Grandpa's bed and ruined your clothes. That's not how we handle our emotions."

She scowled, not backing down. "I don't care! I want Mommy right now! All my friends have a mommy!"

The mention of his mother struck a chord in Asher's heart. He understood her longing for a mother figure in her life, but he struggled to find the right words.

His ex-wife Natasha Lawrence.

The mere mention of her made his heart fill with disgust.

She left with her boyfriend a year after giving birth to his daughter. She, for once, never returned to see how