Chapter 73

• The three of them were curled up in Alexander’s living room, the soft glow from the television lighting their faces as the sound of cartoon voices filled the space. A large pizza box sat open on the table, half the slices gone, and the smell of melted cheese and pepperoni lingered in the air. Mia leaned against her father’s arm, chewing happily, while Melanie sat on the other side, her long legs crossed, trying to act indifferent even though she kept stealing glances at Alex whenever he laughed.
• The cozy moment was interrupted by a sudden ding-dong at the door.
• Melanie’s brows lifted as she turned to Alex. “Were you expecting someone?”