It was clear now-Ferdinand was never meant to be Briony's soulmate.

The White family home was always full of laughter and warmth, especially during the holidays, but Gwendolyn White's heart was never quite at ease when it came to Briony.

Though she wasn't Briony's biological mother, Gwendolyn cared more about the rest of Briony's life than Julia ever could.

Julia, for her part, was sweet and affectionate but had a childlike dependence on Briony. With her memories still hazy, Julia's state of mind had never quite matured; she worried little about her daughter, who was now a mother herself.

As the night grew late, everyone retired to their rooms.

Briony tucked her two children into bed, humming softly as they drifted off.

A gentle knock sounded at the door.

Briony got up and opened it.

Gwendolyn White stood in the hallway, her voice low and tender. "Are the kids asleep?"

just nodded off," Briony replied, stepping out and looping

look brimming with affection, Gwendolyn smiled. "It's been so long since we've really talked. I wanted

was warm and calm. "Shall

and ever since Briony had taken over Starlight Entertainment, she'd

little red does wonders for the complexion and

agreed with a

uncorked a bottle and

too bare, so she quickly put together a couple of light snacks

ready, they settled at the dining table, clinking their glasses

took a generous sip, draining nearly

practiced Briony had become at this— she

seemed calm and gentle as ever, but there was a new steadiness to her, something cooler and more reserved beneath

that was the price of growing up-after you've figured out the world, it's hard to find real

was proud of how much Briony had grown, but as she watched her-still so young at just past thirty, yet already resigned to a

are growing up fast. You really should have someone by

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