CHAPTER 2 — THE FIRST SUNRISE
CHAPTER 2 — THE FIRST SUNRISE
Alexander remained kneeling in front of Sofia.
He reached out carefully, afraid even the gentlest touch might hurt her.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
Sofia looked at him through swollen eyes.
"You weren't there."
He lowered his head.
"No."
"I wasn't."
For years, pride had kept him away from his family after the divorce.
Nothing seemed important enough to bridge the distance.
Until that night.
He stood and turned to Elena.
"Did she see a doctor?"
"Not yet."
Alexander nodded once.
"We're going now."
At the hospital, physicians treated Sofia's injuries and documented them carefully.
The attending doctor spoke gently.
"Some of these bruises are consistent with repeated blows."
Alexander closed his eyes.
He said nothing.
But Elena recognized the expression.
May you like
It wasn't revenge.
It was resolve.
