Inside, Celina walked as if treading on shards of glass, trying not to break into even smaller pieces.

As soon as they reached the living room, Tatiana set Celina’s suitcase down in a corner and guided her to the sofa. She sat beside her, holding her trembling hands.

“Sit down, sweetheart. Breathe,” she urged gently. “You don’t have to be strong right now—you just have to be here. For your children… and for yourself.”

Celina crumbled again, letting her head rest on her friend’s shoulder. Her body trembled, emotions spilling over in silent tears.

“I didn’t want this,” she whispered. “Not like this… Not with Gabriel hurt, Thor out of control. I just wanted… peace.”

Tatiana stroked her hair softly, the way you would soothe a wounded child.

“You tried, Celina. You tried so hard. But now you have to think about yourself… and the babies. They feel everything, remember?”

Celina placed a hand on her belly, as if she could feel the twins’ hearts beating, reminding her they were still there—ali