Chapter 431

• This day three years ago when Briella was born, I was in Australia. My sister was about to give birth for the first time, but that didn't stop me from leaving the country for work. And when I found out she was in labour, I didn't fly back early, I stayed until my business was dealt with and met Briella a week later. Bianca never said anything about it, but I know that it probably hurt her looking back on it now. But I'm trying to make things right by being a good uncle now, and that means driving three hours for a children's birthday party where I have to wear a costume.
• "Life has been so different since she was born, so beautifully wonderfully different" Bianca says with a warm grin. Amelia hand squeezes mine briefly, and I feel like she's trying to urge me to say something nice, so I give it a go.
• "It's because she's a beautifully wonderful kid Gem, you've done an amazing job" I tell her, the words feeling so fucking foreign in my mouth. Bianca turns to me, her eyes softly brimming with tears.