~Catherine's Pov~
A group of people walked past me and I seized the opportunity, melting into the crowd immediately. I started moving, half-walking and half-running, not stopping until I got back to the house. My heart was hammering against my ribs the whole way.
My face heated up and I tried to hold back my tears, swallowing hard as I finally pushed the front door open. Inside, Emma was already dressing Esme for the day. The room was heavy with the sharp smell of antiseptic, a clear sign they had just finished with bath time.
Emma flinched a little as I shut the door too hard behind me. Esme turned to me, her face breaking into a happy smile. Those eyes. It made my stomach drop all over again. I had just seen them again, right there on the street. She got them directly from him.
"Catherine? Why are you back so early?" Emma asked, her voice laced with confusion.
"I...umm.... I —" The words stuck in my throat.
