Chapter 39

• Emilia’s POV
• I spent the rest of the morning trying to shake off the awkwardness of the encounter. My mind kept replaying the scene—Francesca running up to me, calling me “mommy” with all the innocence in the world, and the shocked look on the woman’s face. I couldn’t quite get a read on her reaction, but it was enough to rattle me. The idea that she could’ve been Francesca’s mother, even if it made no logical sense, had settled into my thoughts like a splinter.
• I hadn’t seen the woman since she left the room. Alaric hadn’t mentioned her either during breakfast, and I didn’t want to be the one to bring it up. Instead, I tried to busy myself with small tasks around the house, staying close to Francesca, who seemed blissfully unaware of any discomfort. It was just another morning for her—drawing pictures in the living room, her favorite stuffed bear by her side.