The moment we stepped into the atrium, warmth enveloped us. The sunlight spilling through tall winter-glass windows, the scent of fresh pine garlands curled along the staircase, soft classical music drifting from somewhere unseen. Staff members moved like quiet shadows around the edges of the vast room, adjusting winter-white roses and pale peonies arranged in crystal vases.
It felt like stepping into a world built for someone else.
Someone softer.
Someone worthy.
His mother looked up from the long dining table, expectation flickering across her face-only to ignite into radiant, unmistakable joy when she saw me.
"Lena!"
Her voice cracked.
She stood so abruptly her chair scraped against the marble floor. In the next breath, she was crossing the room toward me-arms opening, eyes alrea
