y heart. Jensen, surprisingly, found me in the breakfast nook. He looked ti

t today is your birthday. I haven't forgotten." He reached across the table, his hand hovering over mine,

rossed his face. For a fleeting se

g protectively on her swollen belly, her movements exaggeratedly slow. She wore a flowing sil

ve today." She sat down opposite us, her eyes fixed on Jensen. "He' s been kicking all mornin

p with unadulterated joy. He leaned forward, his hand automatically reaching for Isabella' s belly.

s hand. "Oh, he's so strong,

on as he felt the faint thrum of life beneath his palm. He was a father, completely e

whisper. I wanted to remind him. Rem

, Harper. Yes?" His tone was apologetic, but his eyes were alr

d for him, snapped. It wasn't just a betrayal; it was an erasure. I was no

d peace, but it was peace nonetheless. The d

ble. My voice was steady, my composur

y waiting, opened the door to a sleek black car. "The pier, please, Rob

done. Initiate Protocol Echo. Now." I spoke to my father's mo

ost," came the crisp reply.

g my lips. The divorce was finalized. S

father years ago. The crew, loyal and discreet, greeted me with warm smiles. M

ea, I pulled out my phone one last time. I composed a final message to my

vestiges of my past life. This wasn' t an ending.

m was abuzz, but not with celebrat

o hope Harper is alright. It's her birthday, after all. Perhaps she's j

ome." She shot an approving glance at Isabella. "At least you understand the importance of family, Isabell

. He had called my phone multiple times, but it went straight to voicemail. "I'm concerned,"

rstood her place," Cecily

nded suddenly, his voice sharp. "Check

g, don't be so melodramatic. She's probably j

awning horror in their depths. Around her neck, glinting under the chandelier, was

ce dangerously low, "did you

u know, darling! You gave it to me! For the baby! As a symbo

d Harper' s unnervingly calm acceptance that morning.

e as white as a sheet. "Mr. Jensen! Mr. Jensen! There's been.

ran cold. "Wha

s. "Madam Harper's yacht! It... it exploded! Out at sea! They

ce. The Logan Star around Isabella'

erupted i