Emily’s POV

I walked down the long hallway, trying to push everything out of my mind. The tension with Drake, the encounter with Lia, the way my heart still ached with emotions I didn’t want to acknowledge—it all weighed on me like a storm cloud hovering above. But I couldn’t afford to dwell on it. Not when I had more important things to focus on.

A small giggle pulled me from my thoughts, and I looked up just in time to see my son, Dean, running toward me. His bright eyes shimmered with happiness.

I smiled, crouching down to his level and placing a gentle hand on his head. His...