The boat’s engine faded into the night, leaving only the sound of waves crashing against the rocks.
I stood on the cliff with Daddy’s arm wrapped tightly around my waist, his body still tense from the confrontation. My legs felt weak. The baby was kicking hard, as if protesting the chaos surrounding us.
Daddy turned me to face him, his hands cupping my face with a mixture of relief and fierce possession.
“You stayed,” he whispered again, voice rough with emotion. “Even when they were right there. Even when they offered you freedom. You chose me.”
Tears slipped down my cheeks as I looked up at him.
“I did,” I said, voice breaking. “But it hurt, Daddy. Seeing Reynolds bleeding again. Hearing Harrington beg me to leave. Knowing my mother would be so disappointed in me.”
His jaw tightene
