Chapter 71

Adeline’s POV

The park Vincent chose was quiet, tucked behind rows of trimmed hedges and pale marble statues. The sun hung low, its light spilling gold over the grass. It was the kind of morning that looked peaceful from a distance, but my heart hadn’t known peace for a long time.

The twins ran ahead, laughing as the wind tugged at their shirts. I followed more slowly, carrying the small basket they insisted on bringing. Inside were sandwiches, fruit, and two extra ribbons Myra had once given me. Somehow, even something that small had felt worth keeping.

I spotted her before she saw me—Myra, sitting neatly on a park bench with her legs swinging. She wore a yellow dress, sunlight catching in her curls. Vincent stood a few paces behind her, his posture as rigid as ever, but his gaze soft where it landed on her. It wasn’t until she turned her head that she noticed us.

Her face lit up instantly. “Pretty Aunt!”

She jumped from the bench, nearly tripping on the step, and ran straight into m