ARCHIE POV
I watched Aria from across the kitchen island, her delicate fingers gripping the edge of her cereal bowl. Her brow furrowed slightly, eyes darting back and forth as if she was deep in thought, perhaps trying to solve one of her little mysteries. Today, the mystery was her father's secret, and I was about to reveal it.
"Aria," I began, my voice softer than usual. She looked up, her blue eyes- so much like her mother's- meeting mine. "There's something important I need to talk to you about."
"Is it about the surprise you mentioned?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. I'd hinted at this conversation for weeks, building anticipation but also steeling myself for the moment.
"Yes, sweetheart, it is. You know how much I love you, right?" I reached across the island, taking
