CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED THIRTY ONE - A Hero Rises from the Ashes

Their moment was interrupted by a tired but happy Sophia. "Mommy, Daddy, can we do this again tomorrow?" Ella laughed, scooping her daughter up. "I'm afraid birthdays only come once a year, sweetheart. But we can certainly have family fun days more often." As they made their way inside, Sophia already half-asleep on Lucas's shoulder, Ella felt a deep sense of contentment wash over her. The party had been a success, yes, but more than that, it had been a celebration of the love and joy that Sophia had brought into their lives. Later that night, after Sophia had been tucked into bed surrounded by her new toys, Ella and Lucas stood in the doorway, watching their sleeping daughter. "Can you believe it's been three years?" Ella whispered, her voice thick with emotion. Lucas pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Sometimes it feels like just yesterday, and other times I can hardly remember what life was like before her." As they quietly closed Sophia's door and made their wa