CHAPTER 68

Elijah’s POV

I exchanged a quick glance with Serena, a silent conversation passing between us. Reese was smiling so brightly, her little face lighting up with joy. “Mommy’s work!” she exclaimed, pointing to the design on the desk.

“Look at that smile,” Serena exclaimed. She stared at the little girl, seemingly scrutinizing her. “She looks just like Sophia.”

I nodded, my throat tightening. “Yeah, I’ve been thinking that for some time now. So it’s not surprising that I’m not the only one who thinks so.”

Serena walked over to Reese and crouched down to her level. “Hello again, sweetie,” she said softly. “Why are you excited about that design?”

Reese beamed up at her and then pointed to the design again. “Mommy made this,” she declared proudly.

My heart pounded wildly. A little girl can’t possibly lie like that, right? This could really be Sophia’s daughter!

Serena stared at Reese with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. It was a fake, strained smile that made something twist in my gut.