"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

she managed

turned to little Mario. "There's two

Mario looked up at

smiled warmly at him.

Nina's pout, then

Out went the flames!

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

her, clapping his little hands, a wide grin revealing a few pearly

threw her arms around little Mario and planted a

out in mock despair, but it was

a big smooch mark right on

in his hands, so dramatically pained

in confusion, looking utterly baffled and adorable-the kind of look that

sweet exchange,

she'd get to see scenes like

life didn't work

gaze, turned,

Garry's eyes followed her.

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

sink, water running. The gushing

The kitchen door opened.

and turned, trying to act casual when she saw James. "What's up?

laugh it off. If

Briony froze.

year on Little Nina's birthday, you sneak away to cry.

her gaze, pressing her lips

Nina's asleep, then drink alone. Last

Winslow had to call me to carry

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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