CHAPTER 249 — Where the Family Grows and the Home Glows

(From Ayden Castell’s Perspective)

The afternoon crept in slowly, warm, as if it knew this day had to be handled with care. As soon as the workday ended—much earlier than usual, because I had no intention of leaving Milagros at the office for even one minute longer—I took her by the arm and led her to the car. Then we headed to my Castell grandparents’ house.

“Ayden… I like that you’re taking care of me, but you’re being a pain,” she said,