Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Sienna’s Pov

For the first time in what felt like forever, Daphne was smiling at me. It wasn’t just a small smile either, it was bright, genuine, the kind that made me feel like everything wasn’t completely falling apart.

We had spent the last hour laughing, talking about her day, and even though it was simple, it was enough. I hadn’t realized how much I missed this, how much I needed it.

“Thank you, Mama,” Daphne said softly as she leaned against me, her little arms wrapped around my waist.

“For what, baby?” I asked, running my fingers through her hair.

“For saying sorry to Lucas” she murmured, her face buried in my side. “I didn’t want him to hate me.”

I froze for a moment, my heart catching in my chest. It was like a knife to the gut, hearing her say that.

All the fighting, the tension between me and Lucas, it had affected her more than I realized. But I forced myself to smile and hugged her tighter.

“I’m glad you’re happy, Daphne,” I whispered, pressing a ki