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!”

years ago. The artist’s care was evident

you like it, Aria?” Callum

at him, catching the faint trace of Sophie’s signature perfume. “Callum, why do

then, perhaps we could have ended things

glanced at Mila, who gave an

“The framing shop lady was

on her hips, face scrunched

Callum added. “Even if you

My daughter, with eyes so like my own, met my gaze without flinching. Like father, like

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Chapter 4

Mila tugged Callum toward her room, muttering, “Poor Daddy, Mommy’s so jealous even

message arrived: “If you doubt me, I can prove it. Within

an excuse to come see

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