Chapter 40

Wakefield Residence Emmanuel drove like the wind with Elena and their son, Lucas, heading straight for the Wakefield home. Meanwhile, Claire and Matthew waited inside, hearts pounding with excitement and anxiety, holding their breath for their daughter's return. "Elena… it's really you, my little girl…" Claire's voice trembled as she rushed forward, eyes brimming with tears the moment she saw her daughter. Thank goodness—her baby was still alive. They still had time to make things right. "Mom, Dad… I'm sorry. I should've come back sooner." Elena's eyes stung as she looked at her parents, older and more worn than she remembered. The guilt crushed her—if it weren't for her, they wouldn't have lived in pain all this time. "You're back, that's what matters," Matthew said, wiping at his eyes. "We were wrong about you. Please don't leave again. Just stay with us, okay?" "Mom, are you crying? Why are you sad?" Lucas blinked his big, curious eyes and looked up at Claire. "And this little one i