Chapter 4

When Ethan walked into the kitchen, Sophie was still curled up in my arms.

"What happened?" He placed his car keys on the table, his gaze falling on our daughter's tear-reddened eyes.

Sophie immediately lowered her head.

I picked up the drawing, folded it, and returned it to her backpack. "She had a little disagreement with a friend."

Ethan didn't believe me right away.

He studied Sophie for a moment before turning to me.

"What were you two talking about?"

"Girl stuff."

I tried to make my voice sound normal.

Sophie clutched my sleeve, her fingers trembling slightly.

Ethan finally…