Emma stood outside her home, taking deep breaths to steady her nerves. She had to calm herself down, to push away the anger and hurt she felt after reading the messages between Daniel and Alicia. She couldn’t afford to confront him right now, not with everything else crashing down around her.
With a final, calming breath, she opened the door and stepped inside. The familiar scent of home greeted her, and she forced a smile as she saw Daniel and Lily playing in the living room. Lily’s laughter was a small comfort, a reminder of the innocence she had to protect.
“Hey, you’re back,” Daniel said, looking up with a warm smile. “How was your day?”
Emma forced a neutral tone. “It was... eventful. I have some news. I’ve been suspended from work until the investigation is over, and I can’t get m
