Dane's POV
Dream's soft little voice cuts through the heavy silence.
"Papa."
The single word melts everything inside me. I can't help but rise from the breakfast table and walk toward Serena Hale, who's holding the little baby in her arms. Her expression is tight, polished, pretending warmth — but her eyes burn with barely hidden rage.
I smile at Dream, brushing my fingers through his soft hair. "Good morning, Dream."
He giggles. "Good morning, Papa."
The way he reaches out for me so trustingly makes my heart ache. I gently take him from Serena's arms, feeling her stiffen, her fury flashing like a storm behind her fake composure.
Across the table, Alexander Hale stare at me coldly and says sharply, "Enough."
Daniel looks up at him, calm as ever. "What, Dad?"
I sigh and step in before the tension chokes the room. "Arguing in front of a child isn't good." My voice stays level, but inside, I'm already exhausted.
