Chapter 5 Amelia stepped out of the car, her heart warm as Damien and Debby, her lively twins, teased each other with the playful energy only four-year-olds possessed.
Their laughter rang out, a sweet melody that filled the crisp evening air.
Amelia couldnt help but laugh along as they made their way into their cozy apartment.
Alright, you two, go get changed and get ready for dinner, she said, ruffling Damiens curly hair as he darted past her.
Yes, Mommy! Debby chimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she tugged on her brothers sleeve and they raced down the hallway.
Amelia sighed contentedly and moved to the kitchen, pulling out ingredients for their favorite meal.
The rhythmic sound of water running as she washed vegetables was soothing, almost enough to drown out the days minor stresses.
She reached for a chopping board when Damiens small voice came from behind her, startling her.
Mom? She turned, her hands still wet, a smile already forming.
Yes, sweetie? Damiens face was serious, eyes wide and searching.
Who is our dad? Where is he? The knife slipped from her fingers, clattering onto the counter.
Amelias chest tightened, the question shed been dreading hanging in the air like a storm cloud.
She had known this day would comeshed even rehearsed what she might saybut hearing it now, the words caught in her throat.
Damien, thats she began, but before she could finish, Debby walked in, her dark curls bouncing as she joined her brother.
We saw a man today at school, Debby said, her voice innocent yet tinged with curiosity.
He looked just like Damien.
He said he is our father.

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Amelias blood ran cold.
Her hands gripped the counter to steady herself as the world tilted on its axis.
What did you just say? she whispered, eyes darting between her children.
He came up to us when school let out, Damien said, his small brows furrowing as he tried to make sense of it all.
He said he knew you and that he was our dad.
Amelia felt the air leave her lungs, leaving a hollow ache behind.
The manit couldnt be.
No, not now.
Not when she had built this fragile bubble of peace and stability.
Before she could gather her thoughts, a sharp chime pierced the silence.
The doorbell.
Debbys eyes widened, excitement sparking in her gaze.
Maybe its Becky.
We want to study together! she squealed.
No, stay here, Amelia said quickly, voice sharper than she intended.
She wiped her damp hands on her apron, heart thundering as she walked to the door.
With every step, memories flooded backRyans smile, his touch, the moments that once made her believe in forever.
She shook her head, banishing the ghost of the past as she reached for the door handle.
It felt like an eternity before she touched the doorknob, turned and opened it.
Standing on the other side was Ryan, looking older but no less striking, his eyes dark with emotions she couldnt read.
For a moment, neither of them spoke, the weight of years of silence stretching between them.
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