Bonus Chapter One

Five years later.

Ruby:

"May her soul rest in peace," the priest announced as the guards lifted my grandmother's casket, lowering it gently into the large, dug hole. I watched through tear-blurred eyes as they carefully covered it with sand.

My heart ached as I stood by her gravesite, knowing that I was going to miss her deeply. Despite having a family of my own now, she has been the only true parent figure in my life. She had lived a long and full life, but her passing left a void that seemed impossible to fill.

Tears streamed down my face as I struggled to hold back sobs. The priest's words became a distant murmur as he prayed for her soul. I clutched Damian’s hand as the overwhelming grief made it hard to breathe. But I knew I had to be strong for the sake of my kids.

My two daughters, Abigail and Addison, stood beside me, their eyes red from crying—just like me, they also had a strong bond with their grandmother. Damian held me closer to his chest, his large arms wrapped around my