Ex Wife

Daniel smiled, watching Anastasia's excitement as she darted from one window display to the next. It was a sight he hadn't seen in a while, and he couldn't help but feel a weight lift off his chest. Earlier, when she had called for him, her first words had been unexpected but refreshing.

"Can we go out and do some shopping?"

Without hesitation, he said yes.

Now, here they were, wandering through the biggest shopping mall in the country. The vibrant atmosphere buzzed around them—families chatting, children laughing, and couples holding hands. It felt almost surreal to see Anastasia amidst it all, her pale face lit up with a glimmer of the liveliness she had been missing.

She stopped in front of a boutique, her eyes sparkling as she pointed at a dress displayed on a mannequin. "That one," she said softly, looking at Daniel with a hint of mischief.