Six months later, life looked almost normal. Layrus sat between two pillows on the living room rug, wobbling slightly as he tried to balance himself. His tiny fists smacked the floor in triumph, a loud, delighted babble spilling from his mouth.
"Da-da-da-da!"
Maya laughed from the couch, laptop open but forgotten. "You're not even saying it properly," she teased, crawling toward him. The moment he saw her move, he squealed and lunged forward, collapsing dramatically into her arms.
Her heart melted instantly. Six months since the chaos. Six months ince the slap. Six months since Sophie's public humiliation.
Things had gone quiet. There were no more online attacks. No more dramatic confrontations. Lucas had kept his word.
He visited on schedule. Never overstepped. Never stayed longer t
