---- This clinginess-it wasn't like her. Iyanked my arm free without looking back. "No one's irreplaceable." Selena had changed a lot since taking over her family's company. She had become increasingly controlling and aggressive, treating our home like her boardroom by giving orders rather than engaging in conversations. I couldn't remember the last time she had acted soft or affectionate. And now that she finally wanted to keep me, it was already too late. When I wasn't working, I finally started enjoying life again-grabbing dinners with coworkers and relaxing without worry. One night, I was halfway through a meal with some friends when I got a text from Evie. 'Daddy, Mommy's not home again. Cecilia's food is awful. Can I come over?! I stared at the message for a moment, then let out a low, bitter laugh. She really had gotten used to ---- treating me like her personal butler. 'I'm busy. Order takeout,' I replied. Silence followed. Iused to never let her eat takeout. It was unhealthy. I always cooked for her myself. Selena would sneak her off to restaurants, and when I found out, they would gang up on me for being dramatic. "Colin, why are you such a nag?" "Tt's just one meal, Daddy. You're being ridiculous." Well, now she could eat whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted. I put down my phone and went back to chatting with my friends, already forgetting about the exchange. What I didn't expect was to come home with Mia and find Evie crouched on the doorstep of my apartment.