Fredric’s POV

“Baby!”

Paula’s embrace calmed my restless heart. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that defending Mathilda had been wrong — even though, logically, it was the right thing to do, stopping my family’s cruel words.

“What’s wrong? You’re so quiet, darling.”

I looked at Paula. She seemed puzzled as she loosened her arms from around my neck, folding them across her chest. “Okay, clearly this has to do with your little moment with Mathilda. What happened? Don’t tell me you’re in love