“What… what are you talking about, Liam?” Aria asked, her eyes wide with shock. Her hand trembled as it reached toward him, but she stopped halfway, afraid to touch him and be pushed away again. “Don’t you recognize me? I’m your mother.”
Her voice cracked on the last word, raw and pleading.
I swallowed hard, my chest tightening at the sight of her. I couldn’t let her crumble alone. Stepping closer, I added, steady but heavy, “She’s right. Aria is your mother… and I’m your father. Liam, we’re not lying to you.”
But his eyes—cold, uncertain, almost frightened—cut through me sharper than any blade.
He shook his head violently, his lips curling in anger. “No. I don’t know you. I don’t know her. And my name is not Liam. Don’t… don’t call me that!”
Aria staggered back, as if struck. Her han
