Why she doesn’t talk

Ivan’s gaze was steady as he handed down his decision. “That’s why I brought her here. You two will raise her for me.”

Rena’s face softened, a warm smile spreading across her lips as she stepped forward, extending her arms toward Sisi. “Oh, sweetheart, come here,” she cooed, trying to gently coax the child from Ivan’s arms. She had always had a soft spot for children and was ready to embrace the little girl as her own.

But Sisi’s reaction was instant and firm. She pulled back, her small face turning away, and she clung tightly to her father’s neck. Her grip tightened, her eyes wary as she buried her face into Ivan’s shoulder. It was clear she didn’t like Rena, or perhaps she was too scared to trust anyone else.

Rena hesitated, her smile faltering as she stepped back, taken aback by the child’s rejection. “She’s... she’s scared, Ivan,” she said, her voice tinged with concern. “She’s not comfortable with me.”

Alton watched the scene unfold, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “Why doesn’t