He cuts me off. “I don’t want to be a holiday dad.”
“Then we find another way,” I say, pushing past the sting. “But you need to understand that she’s only two years old, Landon. She doesn’t understand power plays or anger. She only knows love. And right now, that’s me. She needs stability, not your ego.”
I walk around the desk and step in front of him as he turns to face me, my heart pounding, but I hold his gaze and speak anyway. “If you want to be in her life, then we do it right. But you don’t get to bulldoze your way through this. That’s not how any of this works.”
He rises to his feet, his eyes locked on mine. “I want what’s right, too, Anna. And for that, I have to be a part of my daughter’s life. Like living with her, giving her the family she deserves. You don’t have to do this alone anymore.”
“I’ve already proven I can,” I explode, my chest heaving.
“Yes, you have. But you shouldn’t have to. You and my daughter belong with me, in my house.Ourhouse.” His voice softens for a moment, but when I shake my head, it hardens again. “I’m trying not to be an asshole here. But if you’re still stubborn about keeping me out, fine. Then we’ll settle this in court.”
My lungs seize. “Landon… think about Mick. He’s been a father figure in her life. I just can’t take her away from him.”
“Two years. That’s how long you kept my daughter from me. I’m sure he’ll manage just fine when he’s not even the father.” He steps closer, his eyes burning into mine. “But make no mistake, you and my daughter belong with me. I don’t care what you think or want, Anna. You both are mine.”
“You’re an asshole,” I fire back.
“Good. Then you should know, I’m an asshole enough to take what’s mine.” His eyes blaze, every ounce of his control taut with danger. “My daughter is mine, Anna.” He sinks back into his chair, leaning back, his eyes never leaving mine for a second.“You have two options: you and Liala move in with me, or we let the court decide.”
The intensity of his words rattles me to my core, but I force my chin up, my voice trembling with rage. “Fine. I’ll move. But don’t think that bullying me into staying in your house will mean anything.”
He smiles back, victory flickering in his eyes. “It will mean everything. To me. To her. And eventually… to you, whether you want to admit it or not.”
I glare down at him, but he only smirks, as if daring me to challenge the war he’s already set in motion. A war he’s certain will end only one way—his.
Chapter 14
Landon
I haven’t stopped pacing for the past two hours. Glancing at my watch, I see it’s six. Anna said she’d be here by seven. One more fucking hour to go. Every second stretches like the universe is testing me on purpose.
Forcing myself to pause, I let my eyes wander around the living room, trying to drag my mind off the clock. A slow smile spreads across my face as I take it in. The place looks… ready. Every detail is carefully baby-proofed—soft corner guards cap the coffee-table edges, all the outlets are sealed, and a thick rug blankets the floor so she’ll have a cosy landing if she wobbles or falls down.
In the far corner sits the toy nook I built, with tiny shelves stacked high with plush animals and bright blocks. Upstairs, her room is a pink-princess kingdom, with gauzy curtains, a canopy bed, and walls dotted with glittering stars that glow when the lights go out.
Even the kitchen is stocked like a fortress. Rows of eatables line the shelves—crackers, fruit pouches, and snacks I’m not even sure she likes or can eat. But the worst part is that I don’teven know what brand of milk she drinks, what cartoon makes her laugh, or which blanket she curls up with to fall asleep.
My fist clenches the moment it hits me again: how little I know about my own daughter and how Anna robbed me of all her firsts. Her first steps. Her first words. The first time she saidDaddyorMommy.
Anna took all of it. She stole years I’ll never get back.
“Mr. Hayes, they’re pulling in now,” my housekeeper’s voice cuts through the quiet.
My chest tightens like it’s about to explode at the words.They’re here.
I dip my chin in acknowledgment. “I’ll handle the door. You take care of dinner.”
She nods and walks away, and I don’t even bother steadying my breathing. My legs are already moving on their own, carrying me across the room. And before my mind can catch up, my hands reach for the door.
The moment I pull it open, my heart kicks harder at the sight of my world. Anna stands there in jeans and a simple blue top, her hair loose around her shoulders. And in her arms is our daughter. My little girl blinks up at me, her tiny fist tucked in her mouth. Damn. Seeing them here, in our home, hits me like a punch to the ribs.
“Can I—” My voice cracks, and I suddenly realize I’m shaking. “Can I hold her?”
Anna hesitates for a moment, then nods.
I reach out, every muscle pulled tight, terrified I’ll get it wrong. Slowly, carefully, I wrap my arms around her tiny frame and hold her close.
“Hi, baby.” I smile at her, my hand trembling as I stroke her back. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
