Chapter 138

Haley's POV: The morning of the signing came with a strange quietness, as if the world itself was holding its breath just for me. The sunlight filtering through the curtains seemed softer than usual, almost hesitant. I held Lily’s hand tightly as we stepped outside, my palm slightly damp from nerves. She skipped a little beside me, her ponytail bouncing, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She looked more alive than I had ever seen her. Jordan trailed behind, clutching a notebook so close to his chest that it seemed like a shield. He had been determined to bring it, insisting that it was important, and he wasn’t the type of child one could easily argue with once he had decided. “Mom,” Lily said suddenly, her voice filled with certainty, “today you’ll meet so many readers. They’ll all love you!” Her confidence made my lips curve into a trembling smile despite the restless fluttering in my chest. “You think so?” I asked softly, searching her face for reassurance I shouldn’t need but desp