CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
--- That night, when Aziel returned from work, the house was alive with laughter. From the living room, he could hear Imani’s sweet giggles as she and Iris sat cross-legged on the floor, playing a card game. Iris’s laughter mingled with her daughter’s, soft and unguarded—a sound Aziel had not heard in a long time. As soon as Imani spotted him, she dropped the cards and squealed, “Daddy!” Her tiny feet pattered across the floor until she launched herself into his arms. Aziel caught her effortlessly, lifting her high into the air before pressing her against his chest. “Hello, dear… how was your day today?” Aziel asked, his tone unusually gentle. “It was awesome!” Imani chirped, her eyes sparkling with innocence. At that moment, one of the guards stepped forward, holding two shopping bag
- Writer
