The stars hung low that night, blanketing the sky in a quiet calm. Sophia stood on the balcony, arms crossed, the cool breeze brushing through her hair. Inside, Ethan's laughter echoed faintly as Adrian read him a bedtime story.
It was the first night in a long time that peace felt possible.
Adrian stepped out behind her, two mugs in hand. "Warm milk," he said, offering one.
She took it with a small smile. "Didn't think a doctor would recommend milk before bed."
He shrugged. "I'm off-duty tonight."
They sipped in silence, watching the moonlight pool over the garden below.
"You've changed," she said suddenly.
Adrian looked at her.
"You're gentler now. Quieter. The old you would've already threatened ten lawyers and set fire to Sebastian's house."
He chuckled softly. "I still might."
Sophia laughed for real—for the first time in days. Her smile slowly faded, replaced by a sad kind of peace. "Thank you, Adrian. For everything."
He looked at her, eyes lingering. "You never have to thank me for loving my son."
Their eyes locked. For a moment, it felt like the world had stopped spinning.
But peace never lasts long.
A sudden crash came from inside the house.
Sophia rushed in, Adrian close behind.
The living room window was shattered. The bedroom door was open. The toys on the floor were scattered—signs of a struggle.
"Ethan!" Sophia screamed.
There was no reply.
Then her phone buzzed. A video message.
She opened it with shaking hands.
The footage showed Ethan, tied to a chair, crying. And behind him, with a sickening grin, stood Sebastian.
"Miss me?" he whispered to the camera.
Sophia dropped the phone. Her heart split in two.