Isabel’s POV
“Of course, honey,” I whispered softly, reaching out to gently stroke Scarlett’s hair.
My fingers tangled in her soft black curls as I tried to steady my voice. “You do have a father..” I pause for a moment, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes.
I drifted my gaze as I said, “But he’s far away from us now, so very far.” I can feel the weight of these words, a heaviness settling in my chest that I didn’t dare let slip into my expression. I held her gaze, trying to mask the storm brewing inside me with the tenderness only a mother could give.
“Are you two done with your ice cream?” I ask, interrupting Scarlett who looks like she’s about to say something else. I didn’t want to hear more questions—didn’t want to face the innocence of her curiosity any longer. “So
