Ava

"I’m back," I said softly as I walked into the kitchen, the familiar scent of stew and spices wrapping around me like a warm hug. I leaned in and kissed my mum on the cheek.

She turned to me, her face glowing with a soft smile. "Welcome, darling."

I smiled back. There was something comforting about seeing her like this—at peace, relaxed. She didn’t go to work anymore, not like before. Thanks to Caspian, she didn’t have to. He’d taken care of so much behind the scenes, and it gave her the rest she deserved.

"I’ll be upstairs," I told her gently.

She nodded, and I left her to...