Demon took her home and left
The next morning, Daisy stood outside Leo's house, her heart pounding so hard it hurt. She hadn't planned to come — not after last night, not after everything she'd said — but sleep had refused to come. Something inside her told her she had to see Kulture, even if it meant facing Leo again.
When she knocked, the door swung open, and Ivy stood there — her eyes wide with shock.
"Daisy?" Ivy stammered, clutching her robe around her. "What are you doing here?"
Before Daisy could answer, a small voice shouted from behind Ivy.
"Mummy!"
Kulture ran from the hallway and threw herself into Daisy's arms. Daisy froze for a heartbeat, then bent down and hugged her daughter tightly. Tears filled her eyes at the familiar scent of her hair, the warmth of those tiny arms.
"Kulture, my baby," Daisy whispered, holding her close. "I missed you so much."
Ivy stepped back, clearly unsure what to do. "I— I didn't know she was coming," she said nervously, glancing toward the staircase.
Just then, heavy footsteps echoed from above. Leo appeared, shirt half-buttoned, his expression changing instantly when he saw Daisy and Kulture together.
"Daisy," he said quietly, his voice calm but guarded.
She looked up at him, her face pale, eyes glistening. "I just came to see my daughter. That's all."
Leo's jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Kulture turned and looked between them. "Daddy, mummy's here! Can she stay?"
Ivy's eyes widened when she heard Kulture call Daisy "mummy."
Her heart skipped a beat. "Wait," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "Kulture… is your daughter?"
Daisy swallowed hard and nodded slowly.
Ivy turned to Leo, confused. "But… how? She was just nineteen then. Leo—"
Daisy cut her off, her tone sharp but trembling. "Don't. Don't ask me that. I don't owe anyone an explanation."
For a moment, Ivy said nothing, but jealousy burned behind her polite stare. She could see the way Kulture clung to Daisy — how natural, how right it looked. Deep down, she wished she could erase that bond.
Leo exhaled deeply, then stepped beside Ivy and placed an arm around her shoulders. His next words shattered the air.
"She's going to be Kulture's new mom."
The room fell silent.
Daisy's eyes widened in disbelief. "What… did you just say?"
Before Leo could reply, Kulture shouted, "No! I want my mummy!" Her small voice trembled, full of confusion and fear.
Ivy froze, caught between guilt and satisfaction. But Daisy — Daisy broke. Her chest tightened, and tears fell before she could stop them.
"Leo…" she whispered, barely able to breathe. "Why are you doing this to me? Haven't you hurt me enough?"
Leo looked away, jaw clenched, but said nothing.
"You took everything from me once," Daisy continued, her voice cracking. "And I forgave you. You promised me you'd change. You said you wanted me to trust you again — and like a fool, I did. I believed you."
Her tears fell faster now. "But you keep proving me wrong, over and over. Every time I try to stand, you find a new way to push me down. Why, Leo? What did I ever do to deserve this?"
Leo sighed, his voice low. "Daisy, I'm just trying to do what's best for Kulture—"
"Don't you dare say that!" she screamed, her voice breaking. "Don't you dare use her as an excuse for your guilt! You're not doing this for her — you're doing this to punish me!"
Kulture started to cry softly in Ivy's arms. Leo turned away, running a hand through his hair. "Ivy, take Kulture upstairs."
Ivy hesitated, unsure, but did as he said. As soon as she was gone, Daisy stepped back, shaking, her eyes red and fierce.
Leo reached for her arm, but she jerked away. "Don't touch me! Not this time!"