Present Day
Aria's hands shake as she turns the key in the lock, her heart hammering against her ribs.
The cottage feels like a sanctuary after the chaos of the past week. Tucked away in the Hudson Valley, two hours from Manhattan, it's the kind of place no one would think to look for a tech billionaire.
"Mama!"
The sound of her daughter's voice washes over her like a healing balm. Three-year-old Sophie runs down the hallway, her dark curls bouncing, arms outstretched.
Aria scoops her up, burying her face in those soft curls that smell like strawberry shampoo and innocence.
"I missed you, baby girl."
"I missed you too! Mrs. Henderson made cookies, and we read three whole books, and I drew you a picture of a rocket ship!"
Sophie's excitement is infectious, but Aria can see something
