Guests were still buzzing with the revelation, many trying to piece together the dynamics of what they had just witnessed. The air was thick with tension, but I refused to let it unsettle me. I bent down to Alex’s height and whispered, “Remember, you’re strong. Just like we talked about.”

Alex nodded, giving me a brave smile that eased my heart. This moment was as much for him as it was for me. The boy who had inherited his father’s striking eyes also carried my tenacity, and I was proud of him.