"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

breath, she managed

to little Mario. "There's two left! Will

looked

smiled warmly at him. "Go on, if you'd

nodded, imitating Little Nina's pout, then blew at

Out went the flames!

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

his little hands, a wide grin revealing

arms around little Mario and planted a big kiss on his

in mock despair, but it

big smooch mark right on little

hands, so dramatically pained

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

exchange, her eyes

only her brother were still alive, she'd get to see scenes like this every

didn't work that

dropped her gaze, turned, and slipped into

Garry's eyes followed her.

cold look, scoffing

at the sink, water running. The

The kitchen door opened.

her tears away and turned, trying to act casual when

at her red-rimmed eyes and sighed. "Don't even try to laugh it

Briony froze.

Little Nina's birthday, you sneak away to cry. Did you really think

her gaze, pressing

then drink alone.

and Mrs. Winslow had to call me to carry you to

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