CALEB
The morning sun streamed through the kitchen windows, casting a warm, golden glow over the breakfast table. As I led Valerie downstairs, her hand gently clasped tightly in mine, I felt a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in days. She was finally back where she belonged, and I was determined to make sure she felt welcome and safe. And loved.
As we reached the bottom of the stairs, I noticed Esther sitting at the breakfast table, already helping herself to a bowl of oatmeal. Then, she blabbered a few instructions to the maid who scurried away towards the kitchen. Esther’s eyes flicked up as we entered, and I saw a flash of something—jealousy, maybe anger—pass across her face before she quickly masked it with a smile.
"Good morning," Esther said, her voice syrupy sweet, but I could he
