Maya's POV
Hope screams at three in the morning. Again.
I stumble to her nursery. My eyes burn from lack of sleep. She's been crying for hours.
"Shh, baby. Mommy's here." I lift her from the crib. Check her diaper. It's clean. She's fed. She's just upset.
Like she knows her father left us.
Three months. Ninety days since Derek walked out. Since he sent that one text message and disappeared into the world.
"He's coming back," I whisper to Hope. "Your daddy will come back."
But I don't believe my own words anymore.
Ethan appears in the doorway. "Want me to take her?"
"I've got it." I rock Hope gently. "Go back to sleep."
He doesn't argue. He's been patient with me. Understanding. But I see the frustration in his eyes. I'm married to him, but I'm still waiting for Derek.
Hope finally calms down. Her tiny hand grips my finger. She has Derek's eyes. His smile. Every time I look at her, I see him.
And it hurts.
I put her back in the crib. Return to bed. But sleep won't come.
