Chapter 25:

Kira’s POV:

I stood frozen for a second, staring at my mother across the room.

She was smiling.

Not the weak, strained smile she’d worn the last few days out of politeness or maternal obligation, but a real one. Gentle and glowing, framed by the soft blush-toned shawl draped over her shoulders. The stylist working beside her tucked a final strand of hair behind her ear and stepped back, clearly sa