Chapter 153

"That's not necessary. Mrs. Peterson is with Aria." The lie slipped from my lips before I could stop it. My heart hammered against my ribs as Alexander's intense gaze locked with mine. If he came upstairs, if he saw Aria... he would know instantly. Our daughter had his eyes, the same unique amber flecks that seemed to glow when the light hit them just right. His strong jawline. His dimpled smile. No, I couldn't let that happen. Not yet. Not when everything was still so complicated. "She's my neighbor—she watches her sometimes when I need to... work late," I added, the fabrication tasting bitter on my tongue. In reality, Aria was at our hotel with the actual sitter I'd hired, a college student named Emma who needed the extra cash. "Right," Alexander said stiffly, his expression hardening. I hesitated at the car door, fighting the urge to tell him everything. "Alexander, I—" "Go," he cut me off. "Your daughter's waiting." The dismissal stung, but I nodded and stepped out, closing the doo