Chapter One Hundred-Eighteen

Unable to cope with his silence again, Amira, filled with apprehension and trepidation, took a step forward, muttering his name. "Aidan... please."

Xander noticed Aidan's reluctance and asked, "Aidan, what's wrong?"

Aidan, his voice steady but firm, responded, "I love Karina, and I want to raise Sophie with her. That's what I want, Mother."

Amira took a shaky step backward, still maintaining her smile. "But... Aidan, think about everything we've built."

Cruzita's face twisted with anger. "You can't be serious! That woman—"

"Is the mother of my child," Aidan cut in sharply. "And I will stand by her."

Kayla, sensing the tension, added, "This is a family matter. We need to support Aidan's decision, regardless of how it doesn't seem good."

Cruzita's eyes narrowed. "Supporting him doesn't mean we have to accept her."

Amira, now more composed, said, "Let's not forget what's best for the girl. She needs stability. But, Aidan, I can do—"

Aidan nodded and cut in, "Exactly. And that stability in