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CHAPTER TWELVE

Author: Chris D
last update Last Updated: 2025-02-09 12:05:20

Flora’s POV

I waited.

The sound of Stanley’s footsteps echoed through the hallway as he left the house. I stayed perfectly still in my bedroom, cradling Aurora close to my chest, listening intently for the sound of the front door closing.

A few moments later, I heard the unmistakable roar of his car engine as he drove away.

Only then did I let out the breath I’d been holding.

I had been avoiding him since last night. His words still stung like fresh wounds, reopening the pain I had desperately tried to bury. I knew Stanley hated me, but to call my daughter a bastard? That was a level of cruelty I hadn’t been prepared for.

I pressed a soft kiss to Aurora’s forehead. "We’re okay," I whispered, even though I wasn’t sure if I was trying to reassure her or myself.

Carefully placing her back into her crib, I stood and stretched before making my way to the bathroom. I splashed cold water on my face, trying to wash away the exhaustion that clung to me like a second skin.

When I finally ste
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