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?"

nodded off," Briony replied, stepping out and looping her arm through Gwendolyn's.

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

was warm and calm. "Shall we have

to a glass of good wine, and ever since Briony

red does wonders for the

with

uncorked a bottle and poured the wine

alone felt a bit too bare, so she quickly put together a couple of light snacks -cheese,

to help, and when everything was ready, they settled at the dining table, clinking their

a generous sip, draining nearly half her glass

realized just how practiced Briony had become at this— she must have had her share

there was a new steadiness to her, something cooler and more reserved beneath

you've figured out the world, it's

her-still so young at just past thirty, yet already resigned to a life of work and raising two children alone-she couldn't help but

the kids are growing up fast. You really should have someone by your

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