ONE HUNDRED AND THREE

SLYVIA'S POV

After we finished lunch, Zendaya and Zenith eagerly reminded Raymond about the gifts he had promised them. Raymond grinned and said, "Alright, wait here," before heading outside. He returned with two boxes, one for each of them.

Zendaya was the first to open hers. She squealed with delight when she saw the painting crayons in a multitude of colors. She ran to Raymond, hugging him tightly and thanking him with a beaming smile.

Zenith's eyes lit up as he opened his box to find a transformable Optimus Prime toy. He thanked Raymond excitedly, his face full of joy. Watching them, I couldn't help but smile.

Raymond looked at me, his eyes warm and affectionate. The kids ran off to play with their new toys, their laughter filling the room with a sense of normalcy and happiness that had been absent lately.

"Thank you for the gifts, Raymond," I said sincerely.

He shrugged modestly. "I love those kids, Sylvia. I just want to see them happy."

I sighed, feeling a mix of emotions. "You