Chapter 296
‘Bryn, have some more! Gwendolyn White reached over and placed a piece of beef on Briony’s pete
Brony snapped out of her thoughts and looked up at Gwendolyn.
Swendolyn gave her hand a gentle pat and lowered her voice, “Don’t stare, sweetheart”
Briony nodded, picked up the beat, and put it in her mouth,
She stopped glancing at little Mario, but the food tested like nothing in her mouth.
Serry kept an eye on lete Mario while chatting and sharing drinks with Carney, Every so often, be shot a look in Briony’s direction,
Brony stayed quiet, head down, foousing on her meal,
Dinner finally wrapped up around sighe
At half past eight, Briony brought out the cake and set it on the table.
This time, shed made an Bleethemed care–Little Wing’s absolute favorite.
The adults gathered around as Little time, weeding a tiny crown, pressed her hands together and made a wish, looking every bit the little princess
She muttered under her breath, her words so soft that no one caught what she wished for
When she finishes, Little Nine grabbed intle Mards hand. “Let’s blow out the candles together Candlelight flickered in little Verd’s dark eyes.
He blinked, still and silent, not saying a word
Imes mores the cake closer to the kids. “Come on, once the candles are out, all our princess’s wishes will come true
Little Nina puckered up and blew hand at the candies. “Who
h one breath, she managed to stuff out two
Sanofied, she turned to little Mario. “There’s two left! Will you blow them out?”
Little Mario looked up at Gary
Sarry smiles warmly at fine “Go on, if youd like
Latte Mano nodded, imitating Little Nina’s pout, then blew at the candles. “Whooo-
Cut went the fames
Late Mario, yote amazing Little Nina clapped enthusiastically, her excitement contagious
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Chapter 296
Little Mario’s eyes sparkled. He joined her, clapping his little hands, a wide grin revealing a few pearly baby teeth.
Without warning, Little Nina threw her arms around little Mario and planted a big kiss on his soft cheek.
“Little Nina!” James cried out in mock despair, but it was too late.
She’d left a big smooch mark right on little Mario’s face.
James buried his face in his hands, so dramatically pained he couldn’t even speak.
Little Mario blinked in confusion, looking utterly baffled and adorable–the kind of look that sent all the adults into fits of laughter.
Briony watched the sweet exchange, her eyes growing hot.
If only her brother were still alive, she’d get to see scenes like this every year…
But life didn’t work that way.
She dropped her gaze, turned, and slipped into the kitchen.
Garry’s eyes followed her.
James shot Garry a cold look, scoffing under his breath before heading after Briony.
Briony stood at the sink, water running. The gushing sound masked her quiet sobs.
The kitchen door opened.
Startled, Briony hurriedly wiped her tears away and turned, trying to act casual when she saw James. “What’s up? Need something?”
James looked at her red–rimmed eyes and sighed. “Don’t even try to laugh it off. If you want to cry, just cry. I’m not going to tease you.”
Briony froze.
“Every year on Little Nina’s birthday, you sneak away to cry. Did you really think we wouldn’t
notice?”
Briony dropped her gaze, pressing her lips together.
“You always wait until Nina’s asleep, then drink alone. Last year, you passed out on the balcony and Mrs. Winslow had to call me to carry you to bed.”
Briony let out a shaky breath. “…Sorry for worrying you guys.”
‘Who said you have to apologize?” James said, half–laughing, half–exasperated. “We’re family. Say something like that again and I’ll be seriously offended.”
Briony managed a wry smile. “Alright, I won’t.”
‘It was seeing little Mario and Little Nina blow out the candles together, wasn’t it?” James
7/3
17:15
asked gently
Briony’s nose stung. She nodded. “If my brother were still here, they’d get to blow out candles together every year…”
James sighed. “Bryn, you have to try to let go. If you keep holding on, he’ll never be able to rest in peace.”
“I know, but I just can’t help it.” Briony finally broke down, covering her mouth as her shoulders shook with sobs.
James pulled her into a hug, patting her back. “Let it out, Bryn. It’s okay to cry”
Outside the kitchen, Garry quietly turned away and left.
By the time Briony and James stepped out of the kitchen, Garry and Carol had already taken little Mario home
Gwendolyn White had gone upstairs to bathe Little Nina.
In the living room, Carey was slumped on the sofa, eyes closed, dozing off. He’d had a few drinks with Garry and was clearly feeling the effects
Briony asked James to fetch a blanket to cover Carney
Her phone buzzed in her pocket.
She pulled it out. Stewart was calling,
She didn’t answer
The phone rang twice more,
Still, Briony let it go.
Finally, Stewart sent a text:
[Pick up. There’s news about Ms. Hudson)
