CHAPTER FORTY TWO - A Mysterious Invitation Arrives

"Our family," Ella repeated, her voice bitter. "The family you might have been lying to since the beginning. How long have you known about this child, Lucas? How long have you been hiding this part of your life from me?" Lucas's face paled. "Ella, no. It's not like that. I swear, I only found out when I got that letter. I would never-" "Never what?" Ella interrupted. "Never lie to me? Never keep secrets? Because that's exactly what you've been doing!" Their argument was interrupted by Sophia's cries growing louder. Ella ran a hand through her hair, torn between her desire to comfort her daughter and her need to confront her husband. "I'll get her," Lucas said softly, moving towards the stairs. "No," Ella said firmly. "I'll go. I think you need to leave, Lucas. I can't... I can't look at you right now." Lucas's face crumpled. "Ella, please. Let's talk about this. We can figure it out together." "Together?" Ella laughed humorlessly. "You gave up on 'together' when you decided to h