Liam slumped into the waiting room chair, hands gripping the arms like he could anchor himself to something solid. No one spoke to him. No one even looked at him. He took out his phone and dialed Evelyn’s line. It rang once, twice, but there was no response. He stole glances at the children. Lily’s small fingers clutched Mia’s hand, and her eyes were wide, hesitant. “Is that… Daddy?” she asked softly, barely audible. Ethan, sitting a few feet away, smiled gently. “Yes, that's him,” he said, voice soft, but steady. Liam’s chest tightened. He hadn’t expected that—such a small, innocent question—but it hit him with the weight of a hammer. Evan, more daring than his sister, moved slowly, cautiously, until he perched beside Liam. Liam froze. He didn’t know what to do. He could feel the boy’s gaze on him, questioning, hopeful, expecting him to reach out. His pride, fear, and shame tangled together, keeping his hands locked in his lap. His chest constricted. Ethan noticed, he moved
Last Updated : 2026-01-30 Read more