Emily’s POV
Finally, Aurora drifted off to sleep. The tears from our encounter with her father had faded into the night, but the ache in my chest remained. She deserved more than a father like Jason Russo.
As the house quieted, I prepared for bed, trying to find peace in the familiar rhythm of my nightly routine. The heaviness of everything that had happened clung to me. I reached for my phone and dialed Layla. It had been too long, and hearing her voice felt like the lifeline I desperately needed.
“Took you long enough to call,” Layla teased as she picked up.
“I’m sorry. "Things have been hectic here,” I replied, already feeling guilty for the silence.
“You could have at least sent a text,” she said, and I heard the disappointment in her tone.
“I know, and I’m sorry. How can I make
