"Hello Aunt Olivia," Avey said, standing beside Melody. She looked at Olivia with respect but was hesitant, clearly wanting to say more but holding herself back.
Olivia glanced at Avey, taking in her appearance from head to toe. "Oh, you look beautiful, Avey. Happy birthday." Her voice was polite, but Olivia's eyes told a different story they were swollen, tired, and distant, reflecting the emotional weight she was carrying. It had been a long and painful realization of how she had failed as a mother to Lucian.
Avey smiled softly. "Thank you, Aunt Olivia," she replied, but her attention drifted elsewhere. She was glancing past Olivia, clearly looking for someone, and it wasn't difficult for Olivia to guess who.
Before Avey could ask, Olivia decided to address it head-on. "He's not coming," she said, her voice quiet but firm.
