Chapter 165

• Ella's POV
• The sun filtered through the cream curtains of our living room, casting soft golden rays that warmed the wooden floor and gave everything a dreamy, almost nostalgic glow. Laughter drifted through the air as the scent of freshly baked cookies mingled with the more subtle aroma of herbal tea. Madam Yesenia had come to visit, and as always, she didn’t arrive empty-handed. In her arms was a basket woven with care, filled to the brim with treats she had made herself—warm cookies, buttery pastries, and little spiced rolls that melted on the tongue.
• Evelyn had latched onto her the moment she walked through the door, eyes wide with excitement and mouth already full of her second cookie. Even Marcel, who was usually so composed and guarded, had cracked a rare, boyish smile after biting into one of the jam-filled tarts. For a few beautiful moments, the house was filled with joy, comfort, and something that felt achingly close to peace.