That evening, James and Akira arrived at Crystal's house with excitement and apprehension. The twins raced up to them as they walked through the door, their faces shining with delight.
"Uncle James, Aunty Akira, you came!" Hoon exclaimed, wrapping his arms around James' waist.
"Mom's just finishing up in the kitchen," Hwan remarked, taking Akira's hand and leading her farther inside. "Come on, we set the table all by ourselves!"
James couldn't help but smile at the twins' happiness, but his heart was heavy because of the approaching confrontation.
He followed them into the dining room, where the table was neatly set with a large dish of spaghetti and a platter of meatballs.
Crystal entered the doorway, wiping her hands with a dishtowel. "Dinner's ready," she replied with a kind smile, but James could see the worry in her eyes.
