The house felt lighter after the dinner, yet the weight of everything that had happened lingered in the air. The revelation about Maya had shaken the room, but it had also brought relief. Finally, the truth was no longer hidden.

Elias remained seated in the lounge room with Mr. and Mrs. Denovan, still looking humbled. His hands rested on his knees, and his eyes shifted to Maya more than once. She stood quietly beside her father, her presence steadying him.

“Thank you,” Elias said at last, his voice low but firm. “Thank you for accepting me despite the way my grandmother treated Maya. I know she caused hurt, and I...