He liked trendy names.
I wanted Clara, after my grandmother.
So I looked down at my daughter.
“Clara Rose.”
The nurse smiled.
“Clara Rose Bennett?”
I hesitated.
Then nodded.
“Yes.”
My maiden name.
Something about saying it felt like returning home.
Daniel did not call during labor.
He did not call after she was born.
He arrived the following afternoon.
But he did not arrive alone.
The door opened.
Daniel entered wearing a navy blazer.
Behind him walked a blonde woman in a cream suit.
Expensive shoes.
Perfect makeup.
And a diamond ring on her left hand.
My eyes went directly to it.
Daniel noticed.
That was exactly what he wanted.
“Rebecca.”
I said nothing.
The woman stepped beside him.
“This is Lauren.”
