Alice’s POV
Phoebe’s mum invited me to lunch at their home.
It didn’t sit well with me to show up empty-handed—especially when I’d be eating their food. It just felt... wrong.
So, I brought a painting. One of my favorites. Something I knew would go well with their home décor.
I’d originally planned to sell it—honestly, it would’ve earned me a few thousand dollars—but something about gifting it to Nora felt more meaningful.
Like it would be more appreciated there than hanging in some stranger’s hallway.
I gently placed the painting in the back seat of my car and headed to their house.
When I arrived, I rang the bell once, and within moments I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. The door opened to reveal Nora’s warm, welcoming smile.
“Hello, dear,” she greeted, pulling me int
