Michael stepped forward, his voice steady but firm. “Sophie is my daughter, Evelyn. Our daughter. Family is about love and commitment, not just blood.”

Evelyn flinched at his words, and for a moment, I thought she might just turn and leave. But she stayed, her posture a little less rigid.

“I know,” she admitted quietly. “I see how much she means to you both. I just… I didn’t know how to handle it.”

I softened at her admission, wanting to believe there was room for change. “Sophie is a wonderful child, Evelyn. She deserves all the love this family can give.”