Chapter 20 A New Ava

As I pushed the front door open with one hand, Tommy's small, sleeping form nestled in my arms.

The dim light from the hallway spilled into the living room, casting long shadows across the floor.

I didn’t expect to see anyone awake at this hour, but there they were—Richard and my stepsister, Han, entwined on the couch like two serpents, with Richard looking particularly uncomfortable.

Han, as always, had that smug look plastered on her face, like she knew something I didn’t. I stopped short, the sight of them together sending a sharp pang through my chest.

Neither of them bothered to look at me. Not that I expected them to, but it was like a slap in the face nonetheless.

I shifted Tommy's weight in my arms and moved towards the stairs, deciding against acknowledging their presence.

They could continue their little charade without me—Tommy needed to be put to bed, and that was far more important.

Once upstairs, I gently laid Tommy down on his bed, careful not to wake him. His li