nto a desk drawer. Aurora stood up, running a

he hallway, stopping short as she came face-to-face w

When Julian saw Aurora, his brow furrowe

nished the moment Leo saw his mother.

smile. "Aurora," Seraphina said, taki

g no sign language in response. The silenc

What's wrong with you?" Julian said, his voice

ra's hands moved quickly, her signs sha

a is my mother's adopted daughter," Julian said, his tone leaving no

rora took an involuntary step back, her disbelie

manufactured hurt. "If I'm not welcome, I can leave,"

, but Julian grabbed Seraphina by the wrist, g

ved Aurora hard. "Don't you dare mak

rp corner of the coffee table digging into Aurora's

cked eyes fixed on the son she had carried for ni

riends have normal moms!" Leo yelled. "Y

ra's heart. Aurora opened her mouth, but no s

oked at Aurora with cold indifference. "Leo's just

an't speak to your mother that way," Seraphina said, but the cor

r lip so hard she tasted blood, the coppery tang a grim anc

e last question. "Are you planning

an loosened his tie. "You're being irrati

se any trouble between you two," Seraphina said, her voice l

aring a single glance for his injured wife. J

urora alone in the living room with Leo, who

ached a hand out toward her son, a

disgust. "I hate you!" Leo screame

the silent apartment. Aurora's hand remained frozen

aching abdomen. Aurora's legs gave out, and s

, Aurora finally understood. Aurora had noth