Dominic’s POV

I sat in my study and stared blankly at my laptop. The screen had long since dimmed into screensaver mode, displaying patterns of light that did little to hold my attention.

The kids were finally asleep, Brenda tucked in with her favorite stuffed rabbit, Brandon snoring softly after demanding one more story from Olivia whom they called Mommy.

The word echoed in my head every time I thought about it.

Olivia had said yes without hesitation, smiling and playing happily with them. For the first time in years, the house hadn’t felt like a mausoleum. It felt… alive.

I leaned back in the leather chair, rubbing the bridge...