It had been a full week since Allesandro last showed up at Ever's house. No tension hanging between heated stares and unresolved emotions. Just… calm.
But for Isla, the absence weighed differently.
"Mommy?" Isla's small voice broke the quiet as she looked up, clutching her favorite stuffed bunny.
Ever glanced over from the kitchen, her heart tightening just a little. "Yes, baby?"
"Where's Daddy? Did he forget about us?" Her innocent question carried more depth than Ever was prepared for.
Before Ever could respond, Leo, ever the observant one, chimed in, "Maybe Daddy's just busy, Isla. Grown-ups have lots of work."
Isla frowned, her little brows furrowed. "But Daddy always comes to see us, even when he's busy. Did Mommy tell him not to come?"
Ever took a deep breath and walked over, kneeling beside Isla. "Sweetheart, Daddy didn't forget you. He's just giving Mommy some space right now. Sometimes grown-ups need time to think, but that doesn't mean he doesn't love you."
