Chapter 108. Fault Lines

Alexander’s POV

Sophia beams as she holds up her award, but I can see it—the hollow look behind her smile, the way her shoulders slump ever so slightly despite the bright lights and applause. She’s always dreamed of winning, of being the star, yet now that she’s here, the excitement doesn’t seem to reach her eyes. The crowd’s cheers die down as Isabel and Roy step onto the stage, radiant and confident, their faces practically glowing with pride.

The camera flashes catch them from every angle—Isabel’s eyes alight with joy, her hand on Roy’s arm, his expression full of warmth as they stand close to the kids. They look like a scene from a picture-perfect movie, the kind where the family radiates love and unity.

Even the murmur in the crowd agrees, snippets of conversation floating around me—“Is that their father?” “They look like they walked out of