Chapter 84

Alaria

The world seemed to stop when I heard it. And for a moment, I truly forgot how to breathe.

Daddy cooked.

For a second, I thought my ears betrayed me. But Anastasia said it again, loud and bright, tugging on the blanket around me like she was announcing the discovery of treasure. And Liam… he froze.

The look on his face nearly broke me. His eyes wide, his breath caught, his whole body locked like that single word was enough to undo him completely. And I knew that it took everything in him to stabilize himself as he tightened his grip around the tray, fearing that he would drop it or even showing a sign of weakness.

This was the first time that I've seen vulnerability in his eyes in a very long time. And knowing that it was because of our daughter... I couldn’t help but find myself just staring.

My lips curved before I could stop them. I didn't correct her. I did not even try to tell her that she was wrong about Lame b