“Tomorrow. I’m driving up to Cliffside Bay in the morning,” I said.
Mia tapped my shoulder with her elbow. “Don’t worry. You got this.”
“I don’t know,” I said quietly. “I hope so.”
“Does your ex post about Margot on Insta or anything?” Mia asked. “My dad’s wife’s constantly posting photos of herself with the girls.”
Lila rolled her eyes but didn’t comment as she dumped cooked fettuccine into the sauce.
“I’m blocked, so I don’t know,” I said.
“Hold on. I’ll find her,” Mia said, grabbing her phone and typing Nicole’s name. “Yep, here she is. Oh my God, she’s the worst.” She handed me her phone. “She’s so cringey.”
I scrolled through the carefully curated feed. Her bio read: Living my best life. Mama to the sweetest girl. Fitness | Wellness | Authentic Living.
“God, she’s such a phony,” I muttered.
Three days ago: Nicole in a white bikini on a yacht, wind in her hair, champagne glass raised. Finally taking time for ME. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. Sometimes mama needs to recharge! #SelfCareSunday #SingleMomLife #LivingMyTruth #Blessed.
427 likes.
Five days ago: Nicole and a handsome man—Derek, presumably—at an expensive restaurant, her hand prominently displayed with a massive diamond ring. When you finally find someone who sees YOU, not just “mom.” Here’s to new beginnings and the love I deserve. #EngagedLife #NewChapter #SecondChances.
612 likes.
A week ago: Nicole in yoga pants and a sports bra, mid-pose in a luxury studio. Namaste. Finding my center through the chaos. Motherhood is beautiful, but it’s okay to prioritizeyourself too. You can’t pour from an empty cup! #YogaLife #WellnessJourney #SelfLove.
384 likes.
Then, scattered among the self-portraits?—
Two weeks ago: Margot at a park swing, smiling for the camera, though the smile didn’t reach her eyes. My mini me! She’s growing up so fast. Being a single mom isn’t easy, but seeing her smile makes it all worth it. #MyWholeWorld #Blessed.
203 likes.
Three weeks ago: Margot in a pink dance costume, holding a pose. So proud of my baby girl! She amazes me every day. This mama’s heart is so full. #ProudMama #DanceMom #MiniMe.
156 likes.
A month ago: Margot holding a watercolor painting of flowers, forced smile, standing in front of a white wall. My little artist! Look what she made for mama. I’m raising such a creative soul. #ProudMom #ArtistInTheMaking #MyGirl.
189 likes.
I scrolled further back. The pattern was clear—ten posts about Nicole’s life, her body, her yoga, her brunches, her new relationship. Then one token photo of Margot, always framed to make Nicole look like Mother of the Year.
And in every shot of Margot, if you looked closely, you could see it: the tension in her small shoulders, the sadness in her eyes, the way she held herself like she was trying to take up as little space as possible.
“She acts like Margot’s her whole world, but I know better,” I said.
“Vance, no offense, but that’s obvious to everyone,” Mia said. “She’s that type. Loves attention and showing off her body. We know girls like that at school.”
“I know some grown-up ones too.” Lila came around the island to look at the screen, her expression tightening. “That poor baby. She’s being used as a prop.”
I kept scrolling, my chest aching. There was my daughter—scattered among her mother’s curated life, existing only when it made Nicole look good.
“Look at this one,” I said, holding up the phone for Mia to see the watercolor painting. “It seems like she’s into art.”
“I love art too,” Mia said shyly, gesturing at the sketch pad she carried everywhere. “Maybe she’ll want to hang out and draw or paint with me.”
