Chapter 9
“No…” I muttered under my breath, rising to my feet a little too quickly.
My mind raced, searching for something… anything to cover what she had just overheard.
“It’s… it’s a friend of mine,” I said quickly, forcing my voice to steady. “She meant she’ll take care of my goddaughter.”
There was a brief pause as I swallowed hard.
“Yes… that’s it.” I forced a small, shaky smile, hoping she wouldn’t question further.
“Ohh…” she exhaled slowly, relief softening her face. “Alright then.”
Her expression relaxed, completely convinced.
For a second, I almost believed my own lie. Then I exhaled and turned back toward her, trying to regain control of the moment.
“Mum, you aren’t asleep?” I asked gently, steering the conversation away from dangerous ground.
“I couldn’t sleep,” she r
