HIS FIRST LADY(SANDRO MARCOS)

Chapter 45: Crawling Back

It has been a long and exhausting first week of work. By the time 6 p.m. rolls around, all I want is to crawl into a hot bath with a glass of red wine and a good book, letting the world melt away. But, as a mom, that desire has to wait because the first thing I need—and want—to do is visit my daughters.

After gathering my things and leaving the office, I drive to the house and step inside. Iris and Violet are sitting on the bottom stair, watching the door. The moment they see me, they leap to their feet and rush over.

"Mommy!"

I open my arms wide, and we embrace in a three-person hug. It feels like two missing pieces of my heart snap back into place.

"What would you like to do today?" I ask. "Do you want to play a board game?"

"How long are you going to stay?" Iris asks.

"As long as you want me to stay," I tell her.

Violet squeezes me tighter. "Stay forever."

Just like that, my freshly mended heart cracks right down the middle.

I gently stroke Violet's back. "You know I can't, honey."

"Why not?" Her small voice is muffled against my shirt.

"Your father and I... are having some disagreements," I say softly. "We don't want to live together anymore."

"But what about us?" Violet asks.

Iris shushes her. "Don't make Mom sad."

"But I'm sad..." Violet murmurs.

Guilt twists in my chest. Leaving them has been so selfish. I've tried to make it up by visiting often, reminding them that I love them always. But I can see now that it hasn't been enough.

I look at Iris and see her silent unhappiness too, even though she's not saying it aloud.

"Is your dad not taking care of you?" I ask gently.

"He's doing okay," Iris says, her shoulders slumping slightly. "But... he doesn't cut my sandwiches right. Or put an apple in my lunch..."

It's the little things they miss—not just my presence, but the thoughtful touches I used to add. Samuel loves his children, of that I've never doubted. I knew he would try his best with them. But he works a lot, and I was always the one home with the kids. I know them best. I know what they like and dislike. I should've left instructions—or maybe I shouldn't have left at all.

"I'm sorry, Iris. I'm sorry, Violet," I tell them. "I'm going to try to make this right."

For the rest of the evening, I focus entirely on the girls, doing everything I can to make them laugh and keep them happy. I cook their favorite dinner and play their favorite games, all while wondering how to fix this situation. Until the divorce and custody are finalized, I need a better plan.

Eventually, I make up my mind.

After the girls go to bed, I find Samuel in the living room, lounging on the couch with a beer and watching television. Kaylee must be busy tonight since she's nowhere in sight.

"Samuel," I say.

He glances at me. "You're still here?" He takes a sip from his beer. Three empty cans sit on the coffee table, indicating he's a bit tipsy. I'm not sure if that will make this easier or harder.

Samuel doesn't usually drink beer; he prefers wine in front of others to maintain his image. But when he's alone, the mask slips.

Gathering my courage, I continue, "I was talking to the girls, and... they miss me. For their sake, I have a proposal I'd like you to consider."

"You done abandoning your kids?" Samuel asks, still staring at the TV.

"That's not what I've been doing."

He shrugs dismissively. "Call a spade a spade, Rafha."

He's baiting me, trying to get under my skin. I have to stay focused and not take the bait.

"I'd like to move into the guest room until the divorce is finalized," I say. "It's only for the sake of the girls."

The guest room is on the first floor, near the kitchen and front door. Staying there, I'd be mostly out of Samuel's way while still being present for the girls. I'd even have my own bathroom.

"We wouldn't have to interact much," I add. "I'd just be there for the girls."

Samuel takes a long drink from his beer, then lowers the can and laughs.

"I knew you'd come crawling back."

"That's not what's happening," I try to say, but he's not listening anymore. He's enjoying this too much.

"Always crawling back," he mutters before finally turning to look at me. "I can't just say yes. I have to consider Kaylee feelings."

Thea's feelings. How considerate of him to suddenly care about someone else's emotions. He never extended that courtesy to me.

"I'll have an answer for you next week," he says.

I want to argue. The girls want me back as soon as possible, but next week is better than never.

"Fine," I say and leave.

Samuel doesn't say another word as I head out. That's fine. I have nothing more to say to him either.

On Monday, it's back to work. By now, I have a better grasp of things. I make the coffee before Lila can ask, then wait in her office for any morning tasks she needs done.

Lila looks terrible, her hair disheveled and stress lines deepening around her mouth. I want to ask if she's okay, but we don't have the kind of relationship where personal questions feel appropriate. So, I stay quiet.

It's only when she mutters, "I can't believe this," that I realize she wants me to ask.

"Is everything okay?" I ask.

"No," Lila snaps, looking up. "You haven't heard?"

"Heard what?"

"About Sandro Marcos ?"

My heart races. Has something happened? Is he okay? I try to stay calm. "I haven't heard anything," I say.

"All sources are reporting the same thing," Lila says. "Sandro Marcos is finally giving an exclusive interview."

He is? "Did Ash finally convince him?"

Lila huffs a short, bitter laugh. "Ash? No, Rafha. Miles Hamilton is giving an interview, but not with us. He's going to our biggest rival."

My heart sinks. Before I even had a chance, my best opportunity is slipping away.

"I'm going to get that interview," I insist.

"It's too late," Lila says flatly. "Besides, I never really expected you to succeed."

Her words sting, even though I already knew how little faith she had in me.

"It's not over until the interview actually happens," I say.

"You're out of your mind," Lila scoffs, dismissing me as usual.

"Don't underestimate me," I reply, leaving her office determined.