Stephanie's POV:
The day passed in a blur, so much so that I barely registered its fleeting moments. Before I knew it, the morning sun rose again, signaling the arrival of the day—the day.
I went through my morning routine, each action driven by muscle memory rather than intent. The mirror reflected a composed version of me, but beneath the surface, my nerves simmered like a pot on the verge of boiling over. Once I was ready, I inhaled deeply, steeling myself for what awaited downstairs.
The dining room was already full when I walked in. Conversations hushed as soon as I entered, and all eyes turned toward me. Their gazes felt heavy, like weights pressing against my chest.
I forced a polite smile. “Good morning,” I greeted.
Tyler wasted no time breaking the silence. “Caden will be tra
