though she belonged there. She tilted her head, her

ho didn't know better. "You're back already? I didn't know you'd return today

h in shame, her lips pursed l

deliberate; her eyes were sharp on Tia

familiar little voice c

on't go, Auntie Tiana! You're always here with me, every day. Why must you leave because she came back?

ad torn something from her chest with those

woman to stay. Her so

ng at the edge. He rubbed his forehead,

to Tiana. His face flushed red with emotion

rness. Her fingers stroked his cheeks, her voice low and melodic

A faint smile, smug and calculated, curved her lips before she turned

e boy's ears like a pr

red on James's sleeve longer than necessary b

designed to leave

hind felt thick enough

g his fingers into his temples. His

arah's with reproach. "Ryan is gone, and Tiana is his widow. She's b

than any insult. Famil

Instead, she turned to Daniel, desperat

arms, holding him close, as if her embrac

breaking. "You are my son. Please,

e raised his face to her, eyes so s

w but as well, resolute. "I

as Daniel tore away, running up the stairs. His f

im." He rose without waiting for her reply and followed thei

ell into a silenc

her hands covering her face, and sobs tore free

z of a phone dragged her back. It vibrated ins

teps were weak as she reached for the device. She wanted to ca

ssage. F

as her eyes scanne

I still remember our blissful moment last night in bed. I'll always

ly in her grip, her fing

on blurred. She collapsed onto the cou

ght, every whisper of doubt she had

ver left James's heart. And now, the proof

utched the phone against her lap, her knuc

ever truly