章 20: Broken Beyond Repair!

Claire's POV

"Our dead child!?" Evander's voice was hoarse, barely more than a whisper, but his words struck me like a sledgehammer. His face was pale, and his eyes which were usually so cold were now wide with shock and pain. "Claire, is that… is that true?"

I couldn't move. My entire body felt frozen as if time had stopped. My heart pounded in my ears. Sissy's hand fell away from my shoulder, and we both stared at him, utterly silent. 

Evander took a step closer, his face twisted in regret and devastation. His voice cracked as he spoke again, louder this time, almost desperate. "Say something! Did I hear you right!?"

But I couldn't. Nothing came out. The weight of our past, the lies, the pain—was too heavy, and it choked me. I stood rooted in place, my legs shaking as tears continued to fall uncontrollably.