Chapter 93

The morning sun poured through the kitchen windows, casting a golden glow over the room. Erica was at the kitchen counter, carefully slicing strawberries for breakfast, lost in thought as the gentle hum of the day began. Just then, she heard the sound of small, quick footsteps padding down the hallway. She turned around, catching sight of Olivia toddling in with her favorite stuffed bunny in hand and a huge, delighted grin on her face.

“Mommy!” Olivia’s little voice, still laced with the softness of sleep, filled the room.

Erica’s face lit up as she bent down to greet her daughter. “Good morning, my love!” She held her arms out, and Olivia practically leaped into her embrace, wrapping her small arms around her mother’s neck. The warmth and innocence in that little hug melted Erica’s heart, as it did every day.

Just as Erica stood up with Olivia in her arms, Julian walked into the kitchen, looking relaxed but slightly disheveled from sleep. “Ah, I see my two favorite people are already