Ava's POV
The house felt both familiar and foreign, as if I were moving through someone else’s life while mine was stuck in another place. The usual warmth I always enjoyed at home seemed absent today. My father’s funeral was still fresh in my mind, and even though we were back from the service, I couldn't bring myself to accept it. My dad was really gone.
“Go on,” Liam said, breaking me from my thoughts. “Take a hot shower, and I’ll get dinner started.” His tone was firm but gentle, as if he knew I'd try to argue.
I hesitated, my fingers clenching the fabric of my dress. “Liam, you don’t have to—”
“No arguing, Ava.” He gave me a small, reassuring smile. “It’s my duty to take care of you now, remember? You're my woman” His fingers brushed against mine, and I nodded, letting him lead me
