>>Third Person POV
The clock ticked gently past midnight, the only sounds in the house now the soft hush of lullabies fading into silence and the gentle, rhythmic breathing of their daughter.
Zola had finally fallen asleep.
It had taken a long, tender routine—bath time filled with soft splashes, quiet laughter, a bedtime story whispered between both her parents, and lullabies sung softly by Amber while Hael cradled her against his chest.
Once she was sound asleep, bundled safely in her crib, both parents stood at the door for a moment longer than necessary. Watching. Listening. Making sure.
When they finally stepped out of the room, closing the door with careful precision, the hush of the house settled around them like silk.
They turned to each other—and paused.
