CHAPTER 437

Emily’s POV

I sat quietly on the bench, staring at the still surface of the pond. The park near the hospital had become my escape, a place where I could think. I took a deep breath, the crisp air filling my lungs, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake the thoughts of Antoine and Isabelle. How did it come to this? How had I let myself get caught up in their twisted lives?

I closed my eyes, the regret heavy in my chest. I wished I had never met either of them. But then, despite everything, my mind drifted to Jared, my sweet baby boy. He was the only light in this dark and tangled web. He was my absolute joy, my everything. Without Antoine, I wouldn’t have him. And for that alone, I couldn’t completely hate him.

I let out a sigh, watching the gentle ripples across the pond as the breeze caught the surface. I had no idea how I was supposed to feel. It was all too much, too overwhelming.

Suddenly, as if my thoughts had somehow summoned him, I sensed a presence beside me. I turne