At the café, Kelsey’s heart broke. There was Lola in a pink dress she hadn’t chosen, surrounded by strangers, and right beside her was Peter — smiling — with a woman Kelsey didn’t recognize, a woman who clearly wasn’t just a guest. It was Peter’s mistress. They were celebrating Lola’s birthday together, acting like Kelsey’s absence was normal and expected.
Peter introduced the woman as Madeline and calmly explained they’d been together for a while. Nora called this a “new tradition,” a second birthday party to help Lola bond with her “new mom.” Kelsey’s world shattered.
The people she trusted had planned to erase her from her own daughter’s special day.Despite her shock, Lola ran to Kelsey, holding tightly to her and whispering that Grandma said Kelsey had forgotten her. Kelsey reassured Lola she was loved and would never be forgotten.
Feeling betrayed by her husband and in-laws, Kelsey took Lola home for a quiet, heartfelt celebration with the cake she had baked herself. It was simple, but full of love and promises to always be there.
Later, Kelsey confided in Rachel, sharing the painful truth about Peter’s betrayal and the cruel setup. She decided to divorce Peter, determined to protect her daughter and herself from further hurt.