The red light above the operating room had been on for hours.
Bella sat with her hands locked together, her eyes fixed on the door like sheer will could pull her daughter back out faster.
Steven sat across from her while the red light burned on.
“Bella," he said finally, voice low, “tell me the truth. Is she really mine?"
Bella didn't look up.
“You already did the math."
“I want to hear it from you."
She gave a short, humorless laugh.
“You want a confession after three years?"
He flinched.
“I deserve that," he admitted.
“You deserve a lot worse."
Steven swallowed.
“I'm not asking for forgiveness today," he said. “I'm asking for the truth about Mia."
Bella turned her head slowly.
Her eyes were tired and sharp.
“Yes," she said. “She's yours."
The words landed between them li
