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 portrait of myself, unchanged from years ago. The artist’s care was evident in every stroke. Once, it would have moved me

you like it, Aria?” Callum

of Sophie’s signature

then, perhaps we could have

glanced at Mila, who gave an

she’s overthinking again,” he said smoothly. “The framing shop lady was wearing perfume – it rubbed off when we

paranoid!” Mila planted her hands on her hips, face

daughter with me,” Callum added. “Even if

met my

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Chapter 4

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

I can prove it. Within three

daughter will make up an

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