Regina’s POVThe moment I saw Ivan and Mia being led down the hallway by their teachers, my heart cracked wide open.Their little faces were blotchy from crying, eyes red, their steps heavy. All my fear and indignation melted away in an instant.“Ivan, Mia,” I whispered, rushing forward, wanting nothing more than to wrap them up in a bubble and make sure nothing ever hurts them again.They ran straight into my arms. I knelt down, hugging both of them as tightly as I could, pressing kisses to their hair, breathing in the familiar scent of shampoo and crayons and childhood. They clung to me, arms wound around my neck like lifelines, trembling.“It’s all right,” I murmured, rocking them gently. “You’re safe. I’ve got you.”Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Maxwell inch closer. He didn’t force himself into the moment, but his hand came down on both their heads, stroking their hair in a way that was uncharacteristically gentle for him. His voice was low, steady.“You’re all right,” he sai
Last Updated : 2025-09-29 Read more