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“Yeah, you’re so cool,” I leaned down, taking her face in my hand to squeeze her cheeks and she giggled, eyes lit with pride and validation. “Hungry?”

“Very.” She groaned.

“Let’s go.” I took her hand in mine and Nereus took her other hand as we pulled her out of the water.

She shook her entire body and hair, letting water droplets fly in every direction and Nereus and I chuckled.

I cast both him and Silvia one last glance and Silvia smiled, knowing how difficult this was for me.

Sally dried herself off as best as she could before we made our way to the kitchen.

The patter of her wet feet against the tiles filled the space and I prayed Antonio wouldn’t find out.

As soon as we entered the kitchen she hopped onto one of the kitchen bar stools and I plated the lunch the staff had prepared for us.

I couldn’t eat, much less sit down as I watched her eat, entertaining any and every conversation she started.

Eventually, she sighed, lowered her sandwich to her plate and dropped her shoulders. Then, baby blue eyes peered up at me. “I’m leaving, aren’t I?”

I could only nod as I rounded the island, sitting down next to her. “But.” I took her hands in mine. “I have to ask you something.”

She stared up at me silently, and I proceeded.

“Antonio and I have really busy schedules, Sally, so we won’t be able to take care of you in the way you need.”

“But.” She protested. “I’m not a baby, Nirah. I can take care of myself. I promise. I won’t be bad.”

I shook my head. “You’re only six.” I cupped the side of her face. “We haven’t found a family yet, but Nereus said that he’d love for you to stay with him.”

Her eyes lit up again as her lips curved upwards. “Really?”

“Uh-huh.” I nodded. “Would you be okay staying with him for a little while?” I nervously asked. “With a nanny, of course. Her name’s Dahlia, and she’s super nice.” I promised.

Sally smiled, tapping her finger to her chin as she pretended to think. “Will you visit?”

“Of course!” I smiled.

“Can I still visit here?”

I chuckled. “Is that even a question? Of course you can still visit here. Any time, any day.”

She groaned, throwing her head back. “I like Nereus.” She assured me. “But… I don’t want to leave you and Antonio,” she murmured with a little shrug.

“I know, I don’t want you leaving either.” My face softened. “But you understand?”

“Why can’t I stay here and have Nereus and the nanny still look after me?”

I sighed. “This house isn’t the safest place right now for a little girl like you.” I tried to explain. “Especially since Antonio and I can’t be home all the time.”

With the most dramatic sigh ever, she nodded and I pulled her into my arms for a hug. “Can I see Antonio?” She asked and I broke the hug.

“He’s at work right now…” I trailed off and her shoulder slumped. “But.” I quickly added. “I’m sure he’d love to see you.”

* * *

After Sally and I got ready, Kiryl drove us to Antonio’s office.

Julie, his assistant, didn’t even bother stopping me and instead only shared how glad she was that I was back.