*~ Hazel's POV~*
"She really looks like you," Marcus said softly behind me, his voice almost trembling. "She takes after you and your mother—beautiful, immensely beautiful."
I paused at the doorway and turned just enough to glance at him. He stood there with his hands clasped, like a man who knew he was walking on shards of glass. I gave him a quick smile, more out of politeness than warmth—and began to leave, but his voice cut through again.
"She has her father's eyes," he added, his tone lower now, wistful. "That's… interesting. She's just as pretty as you and your mother. I wish I'd spent more time with you when you were her age."
I froze for a heartbeat. I knew exactly what he was doing—digging, trying to worm his way into my emotions. "We are not bonding over this," I snapped, spinning back to him.
"Can't I just spend enough time with my daughter and granddaughter?" he asked, a pleading edge slipping into his voice.
