Chapter 94. All My Fault

Emily paused, then slowly knelt in front of me. Her hands came up to cup my face, forcing me to look at her.

Softly, her thumbs brushed away the tears on my cheeks—so tenderly that I felt like breaking down.

“Listen to me, Aria,” she whispered, her gaze holding mine.

“One thing I know—in my bones—is that you would have never, ever let any harm come to Daniel. Not if you could have stopped it.” Her voice broke, but she held herself together. “I know this… whatever this is… wasn’t easy for you either. Seeing you so emotional, in tears, proves how much you loved Daniel. I’m glad you cared about him that much—to show it. Now, please. Let me get you cleaned up.”

I stared at her, wondering how she could still be so strong.

This was her only child—her only hope of living—gone. Lying cold in death’s hands, and yet she was so composed.

That was enough to break me.

I crumbled in her arms and cried loudly.

“I’m so sorry, Emily. I wish I