Chapter 96

The night was quiet as I sat beside Lily’s bed. Her chest rose and fell gently, her arms wrapped around her favorite stuffed bunny. The light from the hallway spilled softly across her cheek, casting warm shadows across her delicate features. My heart ached. I kept seeing the water—the pool, her tiny figure slipping beneath the surface. The chaos. The shouting. The sting on my cheek where Susan had slapped me. The looks from strangers. I reached out, brushing Lily’s hair back from her forehead. “I’m so sorry, baby,” I whispered. “I brought you into this mess.” Behind me, the door opened quietly. Logan stepped into the room, his suit jacket folded neatly over his arm. His shirt was wrinkled, the sleeves pushed up. His eyes looked tired but calm. He didn’t say anything at first. He just moved to the rocking chair beside me and sat down slowly. “She’s okay,” he said gently. “It’s over now.” I didn’t look at him. “Is it?” He was quiet. I looked down at Lily. “I brought her there. Into my c