Chapter 2

2

Because of the nature of my work, I had to squeeze in every second I spent with Annie.

I neglected myself in the process.

My clothes and shoes were years old; as long as they were functional, I didn't care.

When I rushed to pick her up, I didn't have time for makeup or styling.

I remember one time I stayed in the lab for a whole month for a critical experiment.

When it succeeded, I cried tears of joy.

The institute gave me a week off as a reward.

I went to pick up Annie from her school, but she cried and told me never to show up there again.

I found out why later.

The other kids had been teasing her, saying her mom looked like a frumpy nerd from the trailer park.

She hated my clothes, and she hated my career.

She wanted a mom like Yara―young, beautiful, and impressive to show off.

Annie grew more distant, and my marriage became a series of shouting matches.

Once the love was gone, Leo didn't have time for me anymore.

The affection we once shared felt like a popping bubble. I became hysterical, and he became disgusted.

After countless arguments, I finally felt the last string snap.

I used to endure it for Annie's sake.

But now, I realized I wasn't as important as I thought.

Without me, Yara would step right in to take care of them.

When I got home, I pulled the agreement out of the cabinet.

Last week, my supervisor handed me a confidential file about a top-secret research project.

It required moving to a secure facility for ten years.

I had hesitated then.

I didn't want to miss the most important years of Annie's life.

But she didn't care about me at all.

I signed the contract and called my boss.

"Dr. Bennett, this is Jocelyn Miller. I'm in. I'll join the secret project."

He sounded surprised.

"Jocelyn? I thought you said you couldn't leave your daughter?"

He knew how much my family meant to me and how I ran home the second I had a break.

"It's fine, Doctor. I've thought it through. My husband and daughter are very supportive. The mission comes first."

My voice was dead calm. Dr. Bennett agreed immediately.

After hanging up, I packed a small bag and headed back to the lab.

I had wasted enough time trying to be a mother to a girl who didn't want me.

I stayed in the lab for days, buried in work.

A few days before Annie's birthday, I finished a high-intensity phase and went home with a gift and a cake.

But when I opened the door, I saw Yara and Leo celebrating with her.

Annie was wearing a birthday hat, and the room was filled with laughter and song.

The atmosphere froze the moment they saw me.

Leo's brow furrowed instantly.

"So you finally decided to show up?"

I forced a tight smile and placed the gift in front of Annie.

It was a limited-edition collectible doll she had been begging for. It was discontinued, and I'd pulled dozens of favors to get it.

"Happy birthday, sweetie."

But there was no joy on her face. She barely glanced at it before scoffing.

"I'm not a baby anymore. Why would I want a doll?"

"Miss West got me a professional makeup kit. I like her gift way better."

With that, she turned her back on me and hopped into Yara's lap.