SHE LEFT TO KEEP YOU ALIVE

Third POV

Restless and anxious, a sense of unease slid over Harper's nerves. Want to hear story about her mother? Yes, absolutely yes. Growing up as an adopted child for 18 years, she had been wondering about her birth parents since she could remember. Until Carter gave her the most terrifying answer. And so did Karina. People rushed to give her bombshell-like responses. Thankfully, she survived the ordeal, but she was also growing increasingly afraid of this answer.

After a few beats of silence, Harper cleared her throat and tentatively asked, "What kind of person is my mother?"

"I would say... Sofia is beautiful, talented, and... brave," Aldricus squinted his eyes slightly, lost in memories.

"Her name is Sofia?" Harper's voice was small, a restrained excitement seeping through, as if grasping at a lifeline.

"Yes. Sofia. In fact, Miss Laurier, you look a lot like your mother," Aldricus smiled faintly.

Harper's cheeks flushed slightly. Aldricus put down his teacup and continued, "Deca