silent tears

★★★★

"No, you don't need to be quiet. You can speak your heart since I guess we are all enjoying ourselves," Layla said with a stiff countenance, anticipating what Payne might say next.

"Thank you. You look intelligent. You are...! Forgive me, I’m trying to know everyone," Payne replied with a bright smile.

"I am your mother's sister, your aunt. But I don't want you to call me 'Aunt.' Layla will be fine," Layla said, clearly believing she was too young for the title.

"You don’t look like an aunt. Besides, I’m not ready to give that title to anyone other than Aunt Nadia," Payne said, her tone confident and eyes unwavering. She seemed entirely different from Jasmine, possessing a self-assuredness that left no room for hesitation.

Jasmine quickly intervened. "Thank you for inviting us for dinner, Father!"

Kesha seized the moment to shift the conversation. "My daughter and Paul are soon going to be engaged, and we need your help with something. I hope you won’t say no."

"So, this isn’t ac