Emily's mind raced with conflicting emotions. She remembered the years of neglect, the cold indifference, and the pain she had endured alone. The memories of their past flashed before her eyes: Alex prioritizing Olivia, leaving her to face hardships alone, the betrayal, the loneliness, and the hurt that had never fully healed.
Alex, sensing the weight of his words and the impact they had on Emily, felt a knot form in his stomach. He knew he was treading on thin ice, but he hoped against hope that it wasn't too late to make amends. He held her gaze, silently pleading for a second chance.
The twins, sensing the gravity of the moment, remained silent, their wide eyes darting between Alex and Emily. The contrast between Alex's hopeful expression and Emily's stormy countenance couldn't have been more stark.
Emily finally broke the silence, her voice calm but laced with an edge of bitterness. "It's too late." then she continued "Let's finish dinner and go to play."
