No Second Baby No You Only Divorce (Scarlett and Vincent) novel Chapter 551

Vincent softened and gave in. "Alright."

Vanessa clapped her hands, beaming. "Daddy's the best! I love you most!"

Afraid she'd trip, Vincent steadied her by the shoulders. "Okay, okay, settle down. Careful you don't fall."

Vanessa threw herself into his arms, giggling.

Vincent reached out and smoothed her messy hair, smiling. "You really miss Mommy that much?"

She nodded earnestly. "Mm-hmm. A lot. It's been so, so long since I saw her, and forever since I got to sleep next to her."

Vincent went quiet at that.

He took her little hand and led her to the couch.

After they sat down, he didn't speak for a long time. Didn't look at his phone either. Is this divorce really the right call? For Scarlett and me? For Vanessa?

Before he could untangle the knot in his chest, footsteps sounded at the door.

He looked up. It was Scarlett.

She stepped into the living room and stopped when she saw them both on the couch, staring at her.

Vanessa, though—she didn't rush over like she'd been so eager to do. Didn't call out. Didn't run.

Not until Scarlett walked up to them did she finally mumble, "Mommy."

Hearing that, Scarlett felt something twist inside. She looked down at her daughter and managed a smile. "Sweetie, it's Monday. Why aren't you at preschool?"

Vanessa looked up at her. "Daddy and I were waiting for you to come home."

Scarlett glanced at Vincent. He didn't say anything. Just watched her.

After a long moment, she crouched down and took Vanessa by the arms. Her voice was gentle. "Vanessa, Mommy and Daddy have something important to take care of. Let Lily take you to school first, okay?"

Vanessa's lower lip jutted out, tears already welling. Her eyes went red. "Mommy, last night I made clay figures all by myself. It's our whole family. Come upstairs and see them. Please."

For a second, Scarlett felt unmoored.

This Vanessa—quiet, well-behaved—it was like the old her had come back.

Scarlett's eyes welled up too.

Her temper flared. "Vincent. First thing in the morning. You really want to pick a fight?"

His voice rose, brooking no argument. "Vanessa's not asking for much. She just wants you to see her clay figures. Is that too much?

"Go upstairs. Look at them with her. Then we'll go handle our business."

Vanessa chimed in, eyes wet. "Mommy, just for a little bit."

Scarlett sighed, defeated. "Okay."

Vanessa slipped her small hand into Scarlett's, and they headed upstairs together.

Vincent stayed behind. He watched them go, a tangle of emotions twisting in his chest.

If we really go through with this, how would I ever explain it to Vanessa?

Upstairs, Vanessa showed Scarlett the clay figures. Three of them—a family.

But when Scarlett looked closer at the mother figure, something seemed off. The doll had long hair, way past the shoulders. Scarlett's was medium-length.

She didn't dwell on it, though.