CHAPTER 61

Vanya POV

I sat on the couch in the living room, my eyes fixed on the television but my mind elsewhere. The TV flickered images of a children's cartoon, but I wasn't really watching. Emily sat across from me, a small smile on her face as she talked animatedly about the kids' upcoming soccer game.

I nodded absentmindedly, trying to focus on what Emily was saying, but my thoughts kept drifting back to the office, to the confrontation with Cian, and the strange way Tara had been acting.

"..and Andrew is so excited" Emily was saying, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "He's been practicing his kicks every evening."

"That's great," I replied, forcing a smile. "We'll make sure to be there."

As I said the words, I noticed Emily's smile falter slightly, her gaze shifting nervously towards the hallway.

Before I could ask what was wrong, Marco walked into the room, his presence instantly changing the atmosphere. The lightheartedness of the conversation dissipated, replaced by a tense silence.

"Va