NINA’S POV
“You’re not.”
Dad’s voice cut through the air like a blade.
Cold. Flat. Final.
The whole living room went silent. Even the ticking clock seemed to freeze.
I stood behind the wall, hidden just out of sight, listening… watching.
Yes, I wanted Amara out of my way, but Dad was losing his grip. He was letting his anger spill too far. What if he revealed the wrong thing? What about my surgery? My heart slammed painfully against my ribs.
Not yet.
She can’t know the truth yet.
I can’t afford for her to know…not until everything I need is secure.
I held my breath as Dad continued, his voice sharper now:
“Yes, we gave birth to you, but behaving selfish like this? You are not the daughter we raised.”
I exhaled quietly, relief sliding through me.
Good… he corrected himself.
H
