Chapter 4

I spent two hours on a crucial phone call in Callum’s study. When I emerged, they still hadn’t returned.

Once, I would have been worried sick. Now, I only felt bitter irony.

In the living room, my phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number. The attached photo showed Mila and Sophie hand in hand, running toward Callum on the beach. Their faces glowed with joy beneath the sparklers‘ light – the perfect family portrait. Without me.

The next message confirmed my suspicions: “Seven years of deception must make you furious. I hope you’ll make the right choice.”

Sophie’s words were carefully crafted, but her meaning was clear: step aside gracefully.

Before I could respond, the front door opened. Callum and Mila entered, guilt flickering briefly across their matching faces before Mila thrust a portrait into my hands.

“Mommy, Daddy drew this for you!”

The artist’s care was evident in every stroke. Once, it

you like it, Aria?” Callum asked softly.

at him, catching the faint trace of Sophie’s signature perfume. “Callum, why do you smell like perfume?”

perhaps we could have ended things amicably.

who gave an almost imperceptible

again,” he said smoothly. “The framing shop lady was wearing

you’re being paranoid!” Mila planted her hands on her hips, face scrunched in rehearsed indignation.

I had our daughter with me,” Callum added. “Even if you don’t

forward. My daughter, with eyes so like my own, met my gaze

1.8%

Chapter 4

toward her room, muttering, “Poor Daddy, Mommy’s so jealous even after we explained

message arrived: “If you doubt me, I can

an excuse

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