CHAPTER 154

Sophia’s POV

The hospital visit weighed heavily on my mind as I trudged back to my apartment. Chris's parents had made it abundantly clear that they still held me responsible for everything that had happened, and their harsh words replayed in my head like a broken record. I felt drained, both emotionally and physically, as I finally reached my door.

As soon as I opened it, Reese came bounding toward me, her face lighting up with pure joy.

“Mommy, you're home!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. She threw her little arms around my legs, and I bent down to scoop her up into a hug, feeling a warmth wash over me that I desperately needed.

“Hey, sweetie,” I said, forcing a smile. “How was school today?”

Reese wriggled out of my arms and ran to the small table in the living room where a colorful painting was spread out. She picked it up carefully and turned back to me, her smile wide and proud.

“Look what I made!” she said, holding up the painting for me to see.

I took a moment to admire he