CHAPTER 38

Evelyn POV

I let my gaze fall upon everyone seated around the dining table. They're all quietly eating their breakfast, but something feels different—off.

Unlike the usual cheerful chaos I’ve grown used to in this house, today’s atmosphere is subdued. The voices that are usually loud and playful are now soft, cautious, as if every word is measured. They’re tiptoeing around invisible shards, careful not to say or do anything that might shatter me again.

A small smile tugs at my lips.

They care.

Despite everything, despite how new I still am in this home, they genuinely care.

We’ve only known each other for what... half a month? And yet, they treat me like I belong here. Like I’m not just some outsider who stumbled into their lives, but someone who matters.

And it’s strange. Not in a bad way—just unfamiliar.

I’ve never been part of a family that walks on eggshells for me. That holds back their own chaos just to protect my peace.