Chapter 117

• The morning light filtered through the windows of the Castellano family’s new home, casting a warm glow across the living room where Rafael stood, pacing slightly, his hands shoved into his pockets. Maya was in the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared breakfast for the kids. It was a scene Rafael had come to cherish—this simple, peaceful life they had worked so hard to create.
• But today was different. Today, Rafael had something on his mind, something he’d been planning for weeks.
• “Dad, you’re acting weird,” Ivy said, sitting cross-legged on the couch with a book in her lap. She peered over the edge of the pages, her expression curious.