Adrian's POV
Something felt wrong.
Something I couldn't quite name or identify, but it was there—a wrongness that made every instinct I had scream in warning.
I looked at my daughter's expectant face, those innocent eyes waiting for an answer.
"I don't know," I finally said, choosing honesty. My daughter was different from other kids her age. She was mature and sensitive. I knew that. So, instead of lying, I chose to tell her the truth. "She looks like your mother. But I need to be sure before I can tell you for certain."
Alicia nodded slowly, seeming to understand even if she didn't fully grasp the complexity of the situation. "She scared me, Daddy."
"I know," I said softly. "But I promise, I won't let anyone scare you again. You're safe with me."
She gave me a small smile and went back to her breakfast, though I noticed she kept glancing toward the stairs, as if worried that the woman would come back down.
I couldn't blame her. I felt the same way.
