Chapter 88

• The Castellano household had been tense for weeks, the air thick with unspoken fears and lingering doubts. But today, Rafael and Maya were determined to change that. The past few days had been harrowing, especially for Ivy and Ethan, and the emotional toll was evident. Rafael and Maya knew it was time to take control, to rebuild the trust and stability their family so desperately needed.
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• The morning began with a family breakfast, a rare moment when everyone was gathered around the table. Rafael had insisted on cooking, surprising the kids with pancakes, scrambled eggs, and freshly squeezed orange juice. The smell of food filled the air, and the chatter of the younger children provided a semblance of normalcy.