MONDAY
6:14 A.M. — SHARON'S APARTMENT
SHARON'S POV
The baby started crying six minutes before Sharon's alarm.
Sharon opened one eye.
The ceiling remained exactly where she'd left it.
The apartment was quiet except for the increasingly offended noises coming from the bassinet beside her bed.
"I'm awake."
The crying continued.
"I said I'm awake."
Apparently verbal confirmation was insufficient.
Sharon pushed herself upright and reached into the bassinet.
Her daughter immediately quieted.
"Manipulative."
Big brown eyes blinked up at her.
"Don't look innocent. We both know what happened."
Mila yawned.
Sharon's entire face softened.
There had been a time when Sharon imagined giving birth very differently.
A private hospital suite.
Flowers everywhere.
Photographers outside.
Anthony pacing beside her bed pretending his anxiety was romantic rather than controlling.
Maybe some ridiculous announcement.
MORRISON HEIR ARRIVES.
