Chapter 95. Please Let Me Explain

2024

Amelia’s POV

Daddy.

The word slammed into me like a punch to the gut, sharp and deafening, drowning out everything else.

My heart raced, the sound of blood rushing in my ears as I stared at Adrian, frozen in place. He stood there, arms wrapped around the little girl like holding her was the most natural thing in the world. His face, so often guarded, softened into something almost unrecognizable; tender, peaceful. Like the weight of the world had slipped from his shoulders the second she was in his arms.

The scene burned into my brain, every detail searing its way into my memory. The way his large hands cradled her tiny frame. The quiet ease in his touch. The soft murmur of his voice, low and soothing, as he held her close.

I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe.

Adrian had a child.

The floor felt like it had been yanked out from under me. My legs wobbled, and I gripped the edge of the counter to stay upright.

Whe