I grabbed my handbag and phone, then held Ashley's tiny hand before stepping out. As we passed through the security gates, the security officer gave me a curious look.
"Miss Evelyn, who is this little sweetheart? I didn't see you bringing her in."
I forced a casual smile, trying to cover up the complicated truth. "Oh, she's family."
The officer smiled warmly. "She's such a sweet thing. And, you know, you two really do look alike."
"Familiar?" I blinked in surprise.
"Yeah, you both have the same eyes. No wonder you're family."
His words caught me off guard, and I walked out of the building in a daze. Once we reached outside, I stopped and crouched down to meet Ashley's gaze. Her eyes… they were just like mine. Just like how mine resembled my mother's. How did I not notice this before?
"Mama, what are you looking at?" Ashley asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
"Nothing, sweetheart." I shook off my thoughts and smiled. "Let's go get some things for you. Do you like shopping?"
