“Mhmm…no…daddy, don’t go…”The words slip out in a whisper, barely louder than the hum of the ceiling fan. Adrian jolts awake. His hand, immediately patting her back. Aria, stills as her small fingers curl in her sleep. Her lashes flutter, and a soft sound escapes her throat — something between a sigh and a sob.He leans closer, his voice a low murmur. “I’m not going anywhere, sweetheart.”Aria’s breathing steadies again. The tension in his chest loosens, but not completely. The word — daddy — still echoes in his head like a bell that won’t stop ringing. It shouldn’t hit this hard, but it does.He stays there for a while, sitting on the edge of the bed, one hand lightly resting on her small back, feeling the slow rise and fall of her breath. The first light of dawn seeps through the thin curtains, painting the room in a pale gold.It’s peaceful. Almost painfully so.When he finally rises, his muscles protest — the long night has caught up with him. He straightens slowly, runs a hand o
Last Updated : 2026-05-06 Read more