Chapter 17

Nicola Taylor

I stared at the clock striking 2 pm as Cole and I sipped our coffee, the silence between us thick with unspoken words. Everything felt rushed, and I wasn’t sure how to navigate this conversation.

“We should start our discussion. What are your demands?” he asked in a very professional tone, making me bristle.

“First of all, this is about family and your daughter. I need you to understand this isn’t a business deal, and at no point will I let you treat it like one,” I warned him.

“Of course, I understand. But can you elaborate?” he asked, sounding genuinely confused.

“Yes. I will never speak to you again if you ever try to tell me I’m not her mother or try to shut me up by ‘showing me my place’ in the midst of your anger. You know exactly what role I’m going to play in your daughter’s life, and you’re not allowed to take that away from me. I need recognition,” I said firmly.

“What kind of recognition?” he asked, his tone softer now.

“I need to be a part of her life as an