CHAPTER 8

EMMA'S POV

I collapse onto the bed, my body wracked with sobs as tears stream down my face. I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of regret and longing. Why did Angelo have to show up? Why did I have to come meet Gabe? Why did I take my eyes off my children for one second?

I bury my face in a pillow, screaming silently as the tears flow. I wish I could turn back time, go back to the moment when everything was perfect. My children were safe, my heart was whole, and I was happy.

But life doesn't work that way. Time keeps moving, and all we can do is try to pick up the pieces of our shattered lives.

I think about Angelo, about the way he looked at me with such concern and care. I wish he had never come here. I wish I didn't have to face the memories we shared, the love we lost.

I think about Gabe, about his kindness and support. I wish I had never come to meet him, wish I had never gotten involved in his life.

But most of all, I wish I had never taken my eyes off my children. I wish I had be