Page 110 of A Sinful Gravity

I started questioning myself. Could I really sever this natural pull between father and daughter just by hiding the truth?

That night, tucking Laila in, I heard her mumble something. I leaned close and heard her say, "Daddy."

Instantly, crushing guilt seized my heart, fingertips going ice cold.

Did I really have the right to rob Laila of having a father?

Cassian had hurt me, but his love for Laila—you couldn't fake that. That look in his eyes, all cautious pleasing and treasuring wonder—it was everything I'd once desperately wanted.

But fear coiled around me like a snake sinking its fangs into my heel.

If I told him the truth, with Cassian's controlling nature, would he let me take Laila?

I had to leave. So would he fight me for custody in court? In Washington, the King family could take a child easier than crushing an ant.

I walked out, leaned against the wall, gasping. The tangled emotions suffocating me.

I barely slept.

Next morning, I called Chloe with raccoon eyes.

She'd been busy with her new gallery project, often sleeping at the office.

I asked to meet her that afternoon at the corner café near Royal Ballet.

The café smelled of bitter burnt coffee. Outside the window, people rushed past.

Chloe wore a motorcycle jacket today. When she sat down, those sharp eyes scanned my face.

"You look like you didn't sleep. Did my brother wear you out last night?" Half joking, she relaxed against the chair.

"Chloe, I saw my mom a few days ago." I held the warm cup, fingernails picking at the label.

Chloe's face darkened instantly. "That old witch? What bullshit did she say now?"

I summarized the confrontation and Cassian's reaction. Chloe cursed throughout.

Finally, I looked down, voice barely audible. "But honestly, I've been thinking these past few days... whether I should tell Cassian. About Laila."

Chloe raised an eyebrow, waiting.

My fingers were ice. Throat tight. "Cassian's been great with her lately. Leaving work early to play. Clumsily reading her stories. Setting up playdates with her class. I... I took away their chance to know each other. Laila could have had a complete family."

Chloe didn't rush to speak. Just stirred her coffee thoughtfully, the spoon clinking against the cup.

"But I'm scared." My voice shook. "Scared that once he knows, he'll fight me for custody. Scared he'll turn back into that controlling Cassian. My career's on the rise. I can't give up touring. But Laila... she needs a stable dad."

Chloe's hand froze. She stared at me, then sighed deeply, unusually serious.

"Honestly, Luna. I used to support keeping it from him because he was a selfish asshole. But lately, I've been watching too."

She looked out the window, something complicated crossing her face. "And the way he looks at Laila—so soft. He genuinely likes her, regardless of whose kid she is."

"But I'm afraid he'll take her from me." My voice trembled badly. My stomach started hurting again.

"He won't."

"How do you know?"