Night fell.
When Lucas came home, he found only six kids in the living room.
"Daddy!"
"Where's your mommy?"
"Nanny Wilson said Mommy went out. We don't know where."
Lucas frowned.
He had practically forbidden Sophia from going out alone, yet the moment he wasn't home for half a day, she was gone.
He picked up his phone, ready to call her, when he suddenly heard the door open behind him.
Sophia walked in. The moment her eyes met his, he could tell something was off—her expression was heavy, weighed down.
"Where did you go?"
"I went to see an embroidery master."
"Embroidery? Since when are you interested in embroidery?"
He walked over and gently took her hand—only to feel how cold it was.
"Your hands are freezing."
He guided her to sit on the sofa, poured a cup of hot water, and placed it in her hands.
