The Assassins Kiss

Chapter 27

Ezra's POV

The next day, we're back at our house, waiting for Killian to show up and meet Sofia.

Sofia is a mini-Killian. Blue eyes, black hair—the whole thing. Her face is practically a carbon copy of his. If anyone needed proof that she's a Vincenzo, it's right there in her features.

The doorbell rings, breaking the silence.

I glance at the clock before getting up.

Opening the door, I blink at the person standing in front of me. "Who are you?" I ask, my voice dripping with skepticism.

"Really?" Killian raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by my tone.

"Why are you here?" I tilt my head, crossing my arms. "Just let me in, Ezra." He rolls his eyes like I'm wasting his time, but he doesn't move.

"No, genuine question. Who are you?" I repeat, my voice colder now.

Killian's patience thins. "Can I just see my daughter? So get out of the way."

Finally I allow him in.

I watch him go, frozen for a second, then glance back at the door, my heart skipping a beat.

I freeze when I see him.

Roman.

"What are you doing here?" I glare at him, my words sharp, almost desperate.

Roman steps closer without saying a word at first. Then, to my surprise, he wraps his arms around me in a tight, unexpected hug.

"I'm sorry, Ezra," Roman whispers into my ear, his voice raw, like he's carrying a weight I never knew he had.

I pull away, feeling a knot tighten in my stomach. "I'm not the one you promised to keep in contact with," I snap, my words cutting through the air.

Roman's expression softens, but I can see the guilt in his eyes.

"She's upstairs," I say, the words slipping out before I can stop them. I turn and start to walk away, my steps heavier than I expected.

Roman stays silent behind me, following closely but keeping his distance. Neither of us says anything as I lead him upstairs, the tension hanging thick between us.

I lead Roman up the stairs, my heart pounding in my chest as I stand in front of Lily's door. I pause, turning to face him.

"Before I open this door," I say, voice steady but my eyes sharp, "You have to promise me something."

Roman raises an eyebrow, his expression guarded but calm. "What's that?"

"You promise me you won't ignore her for another five years," I say, holding his gaze. "You'll keep in contact. No more disappearing. No more excuses."

He nods almost immediately, and there's a sincerity in his voice when he replies, "I promise."

"Good. I'll actually kill you this time if you don't stay in contact." I glare at him. "Right." He says.

I look at him for a moment longer, my thoughts swirling, before I speak again. "Stay here," I say, pointing firmly to the hallway. He doesn't argue, just nods.

I take a breath and open the door, stepping inside and closing it behind me.

Lily's room is quiet, peaceful, and untouched, just as I left it. She's sitting on the bed, her attention on a book in her hands. At the sound of the door opening, she looks up and smiles brightly at me.

"Hi, Mom," she greets me, her voice light, but there's something in her eyes that tells me she senses the change in the air.

"Hi, honey," I smile back, trying to keep the mood light, though a part of me feels the weight of what's happening.