Julian Mackenzie's POV
If I analyzed it coldly, Zara was nothing more than a fleeting presence in my life. A signed agreement, a union born with a single purpose: to make my daughter happy. I didn't want a child I couldn't always see. Nor did I want burdens that would remind me of my inability to love.
"Mom, don't talk nonsense..." My voice came out sharper than I intended. "Zara is still very young... we're fine having just Alina, right?" I asked, looking at Zara, who nodded with a slight movement of her head, so subtle it seemed like a figment of my imagination. However, her hand remained clasped in mine.
Dinner tasted bland. The flavors mingled in my mouth without me being able to distinguish anything. I didn't know why. Maybe it was the conversation.
Maybe it was the way her ch
