MARIA POV
I set my phone down with a soft smile lingering on my lips. Talking to Henry and Dax always left me feeling warm, like I’d been wrapped in a cozy blanket. They were thousands of miles away, but their voices made them feel close. Still, a faint pang of worry tugged at my chest, a constant companion whenever they weren’t nearby.
Pushing the thoughts aside, I got off my bed and went to my closet. Dinner with Mom and Robert wasn’t exactly a red-carpet event, but I couldn’t show up looking like I just rolled out of bed. I grabbed my favorite loose jeans and a simple white sweater that I loved for its softness. Slipping into my Stan Smith sneakers, I quickly tied my hair into a loose braid that fell over my shoulder. Simple, comfortable, yet presentable—just how I liked it.
When
