Chapter 48

• The living room was quiet except for the crackling of the fireplace. Rafael sat on the couch, his hands resting on his knees, his expression thoughtful and serious. Across from him, Ivy, Ethan, and their younger siblings sat in a semi-circle on the plush carpet, their faces a mix of curiosity and confusion. Maya stood a few steps away, leaning against the doorway, her arms crossed. She had been hesitant about this conversation, but Rafael had insisted. It was time.
• Rafael took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the children. “There’s something I need to talk to you about. Something important. It’s not easy for me to say, but you deserve to know the truth.”
• The children exchanged glances, and Ivy, the eldest, spoke first. “Is it bad, Daddy?”