A Bastard for New Year's Gift

For three months, I had been away on a business trip, counting down the days until I could finally return home. I had missed my family dearly, especially my little girl. When I finally secured a ticket home for the New Year, excitement bubbled in my chest and I could barely wait to see their surprised faces.

On the video call, my husband, Simon, sighed regretfully. "Elsa, why couldn't you get a ticket? My parents and our daughter have all been waiting for you to come home!"