MALIA’S POV

Finally, he turned back to me, his eyes red and filled with a mixture of anger, hurt, and confusion. “She’s mine,” he said softly, as if he was still trying to wrap his head around it. “Ella is my daughter.”

“Yes,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “She’s yours. She’s always been yours.”

Zach looked down at the floor, his hands on his hips as he took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. “Why now?” he asked, his voice rough with emotion. “Why are you telling me this now?”

“Because she needs a blood transfusion, and you’re her only match,” I said quietly. “You’re the only one...