Chapter 26

Lauren's POV

“If he cared about her, he wouldn’t have brought Sofia with him to her school,” I said, my voice sharper than I meant it to be. The words tasted bitter in my mouth, like poison I’d been forced to swallow.

“But he still came, Lauren,” Tessa countered gently, though I could hear the firmness beneath her tone. “I think that’s what matters right now. Some dads cut off all communication with their kids and just disappear.”

I turned to face her fully, my arms crossing tightly over my chest like a shield. “Are you trying to back him up now? Because I don’t even know whose side you’re on at this point,” I shot back, unable to hide the frustration bubbling inside me.

“Come on, Lauren,” Tessa sighed, brushing her hair away from her face. “We’re past this age of picking sides like it’s some playground argument. I’m not taking sides. I’m only telling you what’s right — for Elena, not for Ethan.”

“Oh, so what exactly are you trying to s