Page 132 of Tabloid Princess

“Who’s that?”

“Oliver. He could use his pony and charge at them all.”

I puffed out my chest, remembering the fight I’d felt over six years ago when they wanted to take her away from me. “Don’t you see, Daisy? We don’t need it. You are my princess, and I will do whatever it takes to keep you happy.”

“Is Oliver not coming back to finish the castle?”

That ragged hole near my lungs scorched at the edges. “I don’t think so, sweetie. I bet he’d have liked to, but you know he’s very busy…”

“Being a prince,” she finished for me.

“Yeah.” I struggled to talk for a moment. “Come on, let’s get you to school.”

The school playground was packed, for obvious reasons. Hell, they didn’t have this level of turn out for the school summer fete.

I held in my shock that some of the mothers even had their phones out to film my arrival. I needed to remind myself very firmly that everything had ended. Next week they’d forget. If not next week, definitely within the next three years… hopefully.

Miss Evans waited by the door, her searching gaze sweeping across the playground. “Leia!” she called. I ignored the cameras and the stares as I guided Daisy over to the entrance. “Mummy, why is everyone pointing their phones at us?”

“Don’t worry, Daisy.”

Easy to say, harder to do.

I struggled to draw breath.

As soon as we stepped through the door and Miss Evans pulled me into a tight hug, my tears overflowed again. “I’m sorry.” I wiped at them.

I wanted to believe I cried for my daughter. For the things she just read in a headline. For the confusion she probably felt. But I knew I cried for myself; the aching chasm in my chest.

“Oh, darling. Come in, let’s get you to the staff room; no one will mind.”

I shook my head. “No, it will just make things worse if I see anyone.”

Her gaze held so many questions, but she didn’t say anything; she just took Daisy and held her close. “You’ve done the right thing bringing her in. Better to be here with her friends where we can keep her distracted.”

“Will you let me know if anyone says anything?”

“Leia. Don’t worry.”

“We walked this morning, and I thought I heard her coughing earlier.” I cast a critical gaze over Daisy.

“No problem, I’ll keep an eye on her. Listen, Leia.” She lowered her voice. “I know this is trying for you and I’m devastated for you, but please know we will always keep Daisy safe.”

I nodded my thanks, the lump in my throat preventing me from saying a word. I grabbed Daisy and gave her a tight squeeze. Taking a deep breath, I walked as fast as I could for the gate.

To my utter surprise, a taxi waited with its door open right by the gates. “Miss Lawrence.” A man gestured from the driver’s seat. “It’s Gordon Stevens, love. We met before.”

I almost stumbled into the cab. “What are you doing here?”

“My missus showed me the newspapers. I remembered you, I thought you might need some help.”

His words broke me down.

Putting my head in my hands, I sobbed like I hadn’t since I was fifteen years old and my world evaporated from around me.

I banged back into the house and threw my bag onto the sofa, heading towards the kitchen. Most of the neighbours had stood at their front doors to watch me pass.

Mrs A stopped me, standing from her weeding. “If you need anything, Leia. Just give me a shout.”