Chapter 47 : Fear and hope

MELISSA’S POV

I glanced back at the boys, who were watching the scene with wide eyes. “It’s fine, Knox. I’m good. Really. You didn’t have to come all this way.”

“Melissa, come on,” he said, stepping forward slightly. “You’re already running late, and I can see you’re stressed. Let me help, alright?”

His tone softened, and I felt the weight of exhaustion pulling me down again. I was tired—so damn tired of doing everything on my own. But letting him help? It didn’t feel right. It complicated things. Still, there was something in his eyes that made me hesitate.

“Okay,” I said, almost reluctantly. “Let me just grab my bag.”

I turned to the boys, trying to mask the unease Knox’s presence stirred in me. “You two behave while I’m gone. I mean it. Call if you need me.”

“Will do, Mom,” Dylan said, giving me a look that was far too mature for his age. Tyler waved, already distracted by something on the TV.

“Love you,” I said, giving them a smile, even though it felt forced. “I’ll be back soon.”