189
Emilia’s POV
“Mommy!”
Francesca’s squeal of joy filled the entire hallway the moment I stepped inside the house. Before I could even process the sound of her little feet racing across the floor, she launched herself into my arms, nearly knocking me off balance. Her small arms wrapped tightly around my neck, and for a moment, I forgot everything—the fear, the confusion, the chaos of the past few days. All that mattered was the warmth of her embrace and the way her tiny voice called my name like it was the most important word in the world.
“You’re back! You’re back!” she chanted, her excitement bubbling over as I hugged her close.
“I’m back,” I murmured, holding her as tightly as I dared. My voice cracked under the weight of the emotion swelling in my chest.
Francesca leaned back j
