Page 37 of A Sinful Gravity

An hour later, we were settled at the hotel. I gave her a bath. The little one had been traveling all day, and once she relaxed, exhaustion hit.

"Mommy, remember to wake me up early tomorrow." Her eyes were barely open, but she still felt the need to remind me.

I promised, then tucked her into bed, gently patting her back. She nuzzled against me, then her breathing evened out. Once I was sure she was asleep, I kissed her soft cheek and closed the bedroom door.

I tidied up in the living room for a while, then confirmed tomorrow's plans with Chloe. By the time I finished everything, it was midnight.

I opened the door to see Laila curled up in a tiny ball in the middle of the bed. I leaned against the doorframe, watching her, warmth spreading through my chest mixed with something like disorientation.

Six years ago, I never imagined I'd come back here.

I walked in, climbed into bed, and held Laila close. She hugged me in her sleep, filling the empty spaces inside me.

Laila's presence always steadied me. I watched her sleeping face and drifted off.

The next day at noon, the sun was brilliant. Wind blew across the river, carrying a faint salty scent. The restaurant's terrace had a stunning view—the water sparkled under the sunlight like scattered silver.

When I walked in with Laila, Chloe was already there, holding a coffee cup but not drinking.

She looked so much more mature.

I approached her table.

The moment she saw us, she froze for two seconds, then shot up from her chair. Her eyes welled up instantly.

"Luna..." Her voice cracked as she rushed over and hugged me. Tight, like she was afraid I'd vanish again. Her shoulders shook. I could feel her holding back sobs.

I patted her back. "Hey, don't make this so sad. Say hi to our little one first."

That's when Chloe realized. She let go and crouched down, her gaze landing on Laila, lighting up. She reached out to touch her, then pulled back.

Laila blinked those big eyes and politely extended her hand. "Aunt Chloe, I'm Laila. You're way prettier than your photos!"

Chloe wiped her tears and broke into a radiant smile. She pulled Laila into a hug.

"Baby, you look just like your mom! The eyes, the nose, the mouth... and this hair, these blonde curls... God... I love you already!"

Laila wore a pink floral dress today, her hair in two braids tied with white bows—it took me forever to get them right this morning.

Laila seemed confused at first, then giggled and looked at me. "Mommy, where's my present?"

I pulled out a pink package from my bag. Laila had wrapped it herself this morning.

Laila took it and turned to Chloe. "Aunt Chloe, thank you for your presents. This is my favorite bunny. It's for you!"

Chloe covered her mouth, eyes wide. "Oh my God! Thank you, sweetheart. Today you can order anything you want, my treat!" She planted a big kiss on Laila.

"Even ice cream?" Laila snuck a glance at me.

"Laila—" I drew out the syllable.

"Absolutely!" Chloe lifted Laila onto a chair with a grin. "Shh, just a little. Auntie's in charge today!"

She turned and winked at me playfully. I shook my head in mock exasperation.

We ordered.

As the food arrived, we talked. Light topics at first. London weather, Laila's antics, my tour schedule.