Chapter 25. What Is Going on Here?

Shimma’s POV

My heart raced as my father stepped into my room, his presence filling the space with a mix of warmth and tension.

I had been waiting for this moment, eager yet anxious to confront the questions swirling in my mind about his recent mood.

“Dad!” I exclaimed with a warm smile. “I didn’t expect you back so soon,” I mumbled. He must have returned just after the rain stopped falling. I was grateful Mr. Mattias left before he came, or else…

My father smiled faintly, but the weariness in his eyes told a different story.

“Hey, Shimma. I wanted to check on you,” he said.

I couldn’t hold back any longer.

“You’ve been really upset lately. Is everything okay?” I asked. My father sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “It