Sophia barely had time to turn before a tiny figure came running toward her at full speed. Her entire face softened instantly as she bent down just in time to catch the little girl who threw herself into her arms.
A genuine smile spread across her lips for the first time that night. “There’s my baby,” she laughed softly, hugging the little girl tightly while stacking her with kisses on her cheek. “I missed you so much.”
“I missed you more!” Aria declared dramatically, wrapping her tiny arms around Sophia’s neck and laughing uncontrollably.
Sophia laughed again and kissed her daughter’s forehead repeatedly. Just moments ago, anger had consumed her completely, but now nothing else mattered except the little girl in her arms.
A younger woman walked in behind Aria and smiled warmly at the
