The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell novel Chapter 36

Danielle paused for a moment. "Mm-hmm."

Of course Alexander didn't have time to attend the parent-teacher meeting; she didn't bother to ask if he'd come. There was no point.

—

The day of the meeting arrived.

Danielle got herself ready early and arrived at the preschool just as the other parents were filing in, dressed neatly, chatting in little clusters.

Niki spotted her mother and ran over, flinging her arms around Danielle's waist. "Mommy!"

Danielle ruffled her daughter's hair with a gentle smile.

Niki's eyes darted behind Danielle, searching for her dad's familiar figure. He wasn't there.

Danielle noticed the glance and crouched down to meet Niki's gaze. "It's just me with you today, honey. Is that okay?"

"Of course!" Niki turned her eyes back, breaking into a grin. "You coming is already the best."

"I practiced throwing last night at home, Mommy," Niki confided, her voice bright and sweet. "I'm going to win first place in today's games!"

Danielle laughed softly. "Alright, sweetie. I'll be right by your side to win it together."

A little way off, Raffy watched the mother and daughter. His expression soured.

One of the teachers approached Danielle, glancing around before asking, "Niki's father didn't come with you?"

"He couldn't make it," Danielle replied, keeping her voice even.

The teacher explained the day's parent-child activities. "If both parents aren't here, you might not be able to participate—you need two for the games."

Danielle looked down at Niki, who was practically bouncing with excitement. All the kids loved these games. Missing out would break her heart.

Danielle stood up. "I'll go make a phone call."

Niki's eyes filled with tears, hurt shimmering on her face.

"Cry, cry, cry! That's all you ever do. Acting like I'm the bad guy." Raffy shoved her hard. "Go back to your broke mom! Don't embarrass yourself here!"

The push sent Niki sprawling. She landed hard on the floor, her arms and knees striking the linoleum. Pain shot through her and she burst into tears.

"Raffy." Millie's voice was sharp. "We don't hit our friends. Help her up and apologize."

"I didn't do anything wrong! Why should I apologize? She fell because she's clumsy," Raffy snapped, crossing his arms.

Alexander's brow furrowed as he looked down at Niki, so small and fragile on the floor, sobbing as if the whole world had abandoned her.

He bent to pick her up—

—but another pair of arms reached her first.

Alexander looked up and met Danielle's cold, contemptuous eyes.