CHAPTER NINETEEN

VENITA:

"Why did the teacher have to call you? And, why do they keep referring to you as her father? I don't appreciate that! I don't. She doesn't have a father and I want her to understand and accept that. It would be unfair to have someone come into our lives and stir up something we have been longing for only to disappear shortly," I fumed, snorting in between as tears blurred my vision.

Landon drove like a man possessed, weaving through traffic with urgency like an ambulance on a life-saving mission. The worry written on his face was noticeable, and it struck me how much this situation mattered to him. It was like he was on the verge of losing something immensely precious. This level of concern was unusual, especially for someone who usually enjoyed every chance to showcase his commanding presence.

I found myself releasing five minutes' worth of fear and frustration, ranting at the thin air and a little bit at Landon. But Landon remained uncharacteristically silent, focused on ge