Chapter 28 A Quiet Line In The Sand

She used to watch, wide-eyed with wonder, as strange ingredients were transformed into warm, fragrant pastries.

"Wow..." she would whisper in awe. Those memories now felt like a distant past.

"Aunt," Oriana said quietly, "Do you think... maybe I'm just not someone worth loving?"

Marian gently took her hand. "Oriana," she said, "You're more than worth it. You're young, bright, confident, and kind.