Tricked

NOVA

I stood on my front porch for a long time before I decided he wasn't returning. I must have imagined that determined look on his face, and those words he uttered. Dashiell would never say those words. I know how much Lilith meant to him. She was his first love and the reason he despised me those years ago. He felt I was robbing him of the opportunity to wed the woman he loved, which was why he never liked me.

“Mummy? Why are you standing here? Where's Mr Dashiell?” River's question interrupted my thoughts, stepping out of the house with Willow in tow.

"Um—"

“Mum, is it true he looks like me?” Willow demanded, her voice low as she stared up at me, blinking.

My heart skipped at the question. I couldn't think of the right response to give to that, so I just nodded, hoping they wouldn't pursue the matter any further, but they did.

“Really? I thought I looked like you! Uncle Brion said I did.”

“Yeah, you do.” I squatted in front of her, smiling as I reached out to pat her ha