The applause seemed to stretch on forever.
Chloe and Sophie stood beneath the golden lights, each holding a medal that gleamed against her dark blue dress.
They didn’t look surprised.
They didn’t look overwhelmed.
They simply smiled at the judges, thanked the host, and stepped aside for the official photographs.
Their composure made the moment even more devastating.
At their age, I had been desperate for my father’s approval.
I had spent years chasing achievements that might make him look at me with pride.
Yet these two girls stood before a packed auditorium as if they had never needed anyone’s permission to believe in themselves.
I had missed thirteen years of their lives.
Thirteen birthdays.
Thirteen Christmas mornings.
Thirteen years of school projects, scraped knees, late-night questions, and small victories.
I had missed everything.
“Adrian!”
Cordelia’s voice snapped me back to reality.
She had followed me into the aisle.
“What exactly do you think you’re doing?”
