Chapter 44

Lauren's POV

My nails dug into the skin of my palms as I clenched my fists, my chest heaving with silent sobs I refused to release.

She could have insulted me all she wanted. She could have mocked my past, called me names, twisted the truth. But bringing up my daughter, my Elena was unforgivable.

I came here to mourn my child. But instead, I walked straight into a trap.

And Ethan? He didn’t even notice. He didn’t see the wicked curl of Sofia’s lips. He only saw me, the woman he used to know, now a mother broken by loss, blamed for causing a scene.

“Are you okay?” Ethan asked, his eyes locked on Sofia, who was now clinging to him like a helpless child. I watched her carefully, every movement, every subtle shift in her expression. The smirk she had worn so confidently just moments ago quickly dissolved as soon as Ethan turned to look at her. 

Her expression softened, and with a quivering voice, she responded, “No, I’m not. You