"Bryn, have some more." Gwendolyn White reached over and placed a piece of beef on Briony's plate.

Briony snapped out of her thoughts and looked up at Gwendolyn.

Gwendolyn gave her hand a gentle pat and lowered her voice. "Don't stare, sweetheart."

Briony nodded, picked up the beef, and put it in her mouth.

She stopped glancing at little Mario, but the food tasted like nothing in her mouth.

Garry kept an eye on little Mario while chatting and sharing drinks with Carney. Every so often, he shot a look in Briony's direction.

Briony stayed quiet, head down, focusing on her meal.

Dinner finally wrapped up around eight.

At half past eight, Briony brought out the cake and set it on the table.

This time, she'd made an Elsa-themed cake-Little Nina's absolute favorite.

The adults gathered around as Little Nina, wearing a tiny crown, pressed her hands together and made a wish, looking every bit the little princess.

She muttered under her breath, her words so soft that no one caught what she wished for.

When she finished, Little Nina grabbed little Mario's hand. "Let's blow out the candles together!"

Candlelight flickered in little Mario's dark eyes.

He blinked, still and silent, not saying a word.

James moved the cake closer to the kids. "Come on, once the candles are out, all

our princess's wishes will come true!"

Nina puckered up and blew hard at the

managed

"There's two left! Will you blow

looked

warmly at him. "Go

Mario nodded, imitating Little Nina's pout,

Out went the flames!

Mario, you're amazing!" Little Nina clapped enthusiastically, her

eyes sparkled. He joined her, clapping his little hands, a wide

Little Nina threw her arms around little Mario and planted a big kiss on his soft

mock despair, but it was too

smooch mark right on little Mario's

in his hands, so dramatically pained

looking utterly baffled and adorable-the kind of look that sent

the sweet exchange, her eyes

still alive, she'd

didn't work

gaze, turned, and slipped into

Garry's eyes followed her.

Garry a cold look, scoffing under his breath before heading after

the sink, water running. The gushing sound masked

The kitchen door opened.

wiped her tears away and turned, trying to

and sighed. "Don't even try to laugh it off.

Briony froze.

Nina's birthday, you sneak away

dropped her gaze,

Nina's asleep, then drink alone. Last year,

to call me to carry you

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