Freya sat at the large dining table, the air thick with tension. Her plate of food lay untouched in front of her as she glanced up at Raymond and Emilia. Their easy smiles and gentle laughter with the triplets only served to amplify the growing knot of worry in her chest. She knew she needed to speak up, but the warmth of this family moment made her feel like an outsider. Clearing her throat softly, she gained their attention.

Raymond looked up first, his sharp eyes immediately catching her hesitation. “Something on your mind, Freya?” he asked, his voice calm but curious.

Freya glanced at Emilia, who had also paused...