Sofia peeked out. “You won’t yell again?”
He shook his head. “I promise.”
She handed him her stuffed rabbit like a contract.
“Okay,” she said. “I forgive you.”
Something lifted inside his chest.
“I want you both to come back,” he added. “And… I want you to come with me somewhere important.”
Isabella hesitated. “I don’t belong in your world.”
Nate touched his wheelchair lightly. “Neither do I anymore.”
The Night That Changed Everything
The charity gala glittered with chandeliers and expectation.
Vanessa appeared—polished, distant.
“I didn’t expect you here,” she said.
“I’m exactly where I should be,” Nate replied.
Her gaze flicked dismissively toward Isabella and Sofia. “Is this your new family?”
Before Isabella could step back, Sofia stepped forward.
“Don’t be mean,” she said. “He’s kind.”
Vanessa scoffed.
Nate didn’t raise his voice. “She treated me with dignity when others couldn’t.”
