LAURA’S POV
BANG!
Ethan dropped to the ground, a cry of pain ripping through the air. The police rushed in, surrounding him, quickly restraining the scene.
Behind him stood Richard—his hands trembling, a gun clutched tightly.
“I’m sorry… I had to protect the kids,” he breathed heavily, eyes wide with remorse.
We ushered the children back inside as Ethan was rushed to the hospital. Security around the mansion was immediately heightened—no one else was going to get near the kids.
****
I held them close, their little bodies trembling in fear.
“You’ve been through so much,” I whispered, kissing their foreheads. “I swear I’ll protect you with everything I have.”
My phone buzzed. “Elane,” the screen read. I quickly answered, hope fluttering in my chest.
“Your father is awake!” Elane’s
