Damian’s POV

The week after the ultrasound moved quietly, too quietly.

The Blackwood mansion had fallen into a soft rhythm lately. Evelyn’s laughter occasionally echoed down the halls, her voice light as she chatted with Gregory or the staff. The sound shouldn’t have mattered to Damian, but it did, in small, unguarded moments he’d find himself pausing to listen before remembering who he was supposed to be.

He told himself it was the baby. He wanted her happy so that the baby stayed ...