Chapter 39

The house was covered in a quietness so deep, even the air seemed to hold its breath. It was past eleven, late enough that every hallway was shadowed, every room too.

Only the dim lights lining the corridor spilled a gentle golden light as I walked barefoot toward the kitchen, clad in my pale pink nightdress and robe. I moved carefully, careful not make a sound.

Tomorrow was the twins’ birthday, and while the mansion buzzed with plans for a grand party, I wanted to give them something small. Something simple. Something from me. A little cake, just for the morning. Something to say, “I see you. I love you. You matter.”

I hadn’t grown up with surprises like that. I had never celebrated my birthdays either. My childhood had been normal days with adopted mother.

Love had felt like a prize I had to earn. But those little girls upstairs? They deserved better. And if I could give it to them, even in small ways, then I would.

I stepped into the kitchen, flipping on the lights. The countertops