Meet Bella

The car's engine hummed low, a soft growl in the stillness of the night. Xavier's hands gripped the wheel; his eyes lingered in the rearview mirror. There she was—Bella. Wrapped in the quiet cocoon of the back seat, her face is a ghostly echo of Cathleen’s, yet unmistakably his.

“You just had to look like Daddy, huh, Bella?” He murmured, the corner of his mouth twitching into a smirk. The car eased into the driveway, tires crunching gravel beneath.

Xavier killed the engine. He twisted in his seat, the leather creaking under him as he reached for Bella. His fingers were gentle as they unbuckled her from the baby chair, lifting her with a practiced ease that belied his rough exterior.

The house swallowed them whole, its darkness a tangible thing against Xavier’s skin. He moved through it, a shadow among shadows until he reached the sanctum of their bedroom. There lay Cathleen, a pale form beneath the sheets, her chest rising and falling in the rhythm of deep sleep. Xavier watched her fo