**Luca’s POV**
I got home right after the park meeting and went straight to my room. The conversation with Sophia kept replaying in my head. The way she had listened. The way she had reached for my arm like she still believed in me. I changed out of my school uniform and tried to act normal when Mum called me down for dinner.
Priya was already at the table, talking about some school play she was excited about. Mum asked me about my day. Dad sat at the head of the table, quiet but watching. The food tasted like nothing. Every time I looked up, Dad’s eyes were on me.
“You’re home early,” he said finally.
“Finished my work at school,” I replied.
Uncle Karan wasn’t there tonight, but his warning from last night still hung in the air. I ate quickly and excused myself as soon as I could. Ba
