"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

one breath, she managed to snuff out

to little Mario. "There's two left!

looked up at

smiled warmly at him. "Go on, if

nodded, imitating Little Nina's pout, then blew

Out went the flames!

you're amazing!" Little Nina clapped

clapping his little hands,

Mario and

James cried out in mock despair, but

left a big smooch mark right on

his hands, so dramatically pained he couldn't even

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

the sweet exchange, her eyes

she'd get to see scenes like this

didn't work

her gaze, turned, and slipped into

Garry's eyes followed her.

shot Garry a cold look, scoffing under his breath

the sink, water running. The

The kitchen door opened.

trying to act casual when she

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

Briony froze.

away to cry. Did you really think we wouldn't

dropped her gaze, pressing her lips

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

to call me to carry you

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

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