Meryl's POV
"I'm Andre. Gavin's father." The words cut through the air like shards of glass, his voice carrying that familiar edge of authority as he towered over Morris.
Morris's face went blank with confusion. His gaze darted between Andre and me, searching desperately for some explanation that would make sense of this moment. "But you said he was dead."
Andre's expression remained stone cold. "Clearly, I'm very much alive."
The silence stretched between us like a taut wire ready to snap. Morris studied both our faces, and I watched as understanding slowly dawned in his eyes. The realization hit him like a physical blow.
"Is this real? He's actually Gavin's father?"
My throat felt like sandpaper as I managed a small nod. "Yes. He is."
Morris's entire body seemed to deflate. The hope that had been shining in his eyes just moments ago crumbled into something raw and painful.
"So that's it then? You're back with him? After everything?"
