Dinner was lively despite Shayla's exhaustion.Ayven dominated the conversation, talking about his day at school, the science project he wanted to start, the book he was reading that was "technically for fifth graders but not challenging enough."Ruby entertained him, asked questions, kept him engaged while Shayla picked at her food and tried to pretend everything was normal.After dinner, Ruby gathered her things. "I can't stay tonight, mama bear. I've got an early shoot tomorrow. But call me if you need anything, okay?""I will. Thank you, Rubes."Ruby hugged her tight, whispering in her ear, "You're stronger than you think. Don't let him break you again."Then she was gone, leaving Shayla alone with Ayven.They settled on the couch together, Ayven curled into her side, his head resting on her shoulder as she read to him from his current favorite book—something about space exploration that was far above his grade level but that he devoured anyway.When the chapter ended, Ayven looked
Last Updated : 2025-12-26 Read more