I nodded, forcing a small smile as I gently brushed the little girl’s cheek. “She looks a lot like you,” I murmured, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. “If you hadn’t told me otherwise, I would’ve thought she was your daughter. What’s her name?”
“Rhea,” Damien replied. His voice was oddly tense, and before I could respond, he added, “She’s the one we’re going to adopt.”
His words barely settled before Rhea’s eyes welled up with tears. She clutched at the hem of his shirt and began to cry, calling out for her mother.
Damien stiffened. His usual confidence wavered, and for the first time in years, I saw panic in his expression. He shot me a nervous glance.
I held his gaze for a moment before offering a reassuring smile. “I’m fine. Go comfort her.” My voice was light, bu
