Maya's POV
"Another hidden child?" Sophie stares at my phone. "How many secret kids did James have?"
"I don't know. But I'm done playing this game." I delete the text. Block the number. "No more mysterious messages. No more hunting secrets. I'm focusing on Hope."
"But what if this daughter is real?" Ethan asks. "What if she's dangerous?"
"Then let her come. We'll deal with it when it happens. I'm not spending my life afraid of shadows."
But I am afraid. Terrified. Because every time I think we're safe, a new threat appears.
That week, I focus on Hope. On healing. On being a mother instead of a detective chasing ghosts.
Hope is eighteen months old now. Walking everywhere. Saying new words every day. "Mama. Dada. Sophie. No."
"No" is her favorite word.
"Hope, eat your vegetables."
"No."
"Hope, time for bed."
"No."
"Hope, we love you."
"No!" Then she giggles. She knows it's a game.
