The tranquil routine of the Moretti household was abruptly broken one morning when Elena, her face alight with uncharacteristic excitement, made an announcement during breakfast.
"Children!" she exclaimed, her gaze sweeping between Leonardo and Emilia. "My sister, Aunt Alana, is coming to stay for Christmas week! With her family! I'm so excited to introduce Emilia to her side of the family."
Emilia felt a jolt of anxiety mixed with curiosity. A whole new set of strangers to navigate, a whole new layer of social expectations. Leonardo merely raised an eyebrow, knowing his mother's enthusiasm for large family gatherings.
A few days later, the Moretti estate buzzed with a different kind of energy. Limousines swept up the long driveway, disgorging a flurry of stylishly dressed relatives and
