Chapter 131

• Ella's POV
• The morning sun painted the town in soft amber tones as we drove through quiet streets, windows down to let in the gentle breeze. Marcel sat at the wheel, steady and calm as always, while Evelyn chattered beside him, her little voice filled with curiosity and excitement. I sat in the back, watching them both with a heart that felt fuller than I could put into words.
• We were on a mission—to find the perfect school for our daughter. Not just any school, but a place where she could grow, feel safe, and truly belong. Marcel and I had made a silent agreement even before we started: Evelyn’s voice would matter most in this decision. So, at each stop, we paid close attention not just to the curriculum or the neatness of the classrooms, but to the look in Evelyn’s eyes. Did she smile? Did she explore? Was she curious or shy? Those were our real clues.