Luka’s POV
I didn’t move a muscle as Valeria stepped up to the podium, the child still clinging to her hand like it was the most natural thing in the world. Like he belonged to her.
To us.
The applause had quieted, but my ears were still ringing. My heart pounded against my ribs, my jaw clenched so tightly I thought I’d shatter my teeth. I should’ve stormed up to the stage, ripped the mic out of her hand, demanded answers in front of everyone.
But I didn’t.
I sat back down and waited.
She looked too composed—too calm. Like nothing about this moment was unnatural. Like she hadn’t just shattered my entire world with a single smile and a boy who looked like he’d walked out of my own childhood photos.
She began her speech, talking about the children she’d worked with overseas, about bui
