Page 75 of A Sinful Gravity

The moment she opened that door, I heard her scream.

"Mommy!! Come look!!"

I walked over, and I froze too.

It was a princess room.

The walls were pale pink, painted with stars and moons. A small crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, light falling on the bed—a princess bed with white posts, pink canopy, a dozen stuffed animals at the headboard.

By the window was a small bookshelf filled with picture books. And what shocked me most was the connected room—a mirrored wall, a ballet barre, professional dance flooring.

A small practice studio.

Laila had already rushed in, standing at the barre, striking a ballet position, then turning to shout at me. "Mommy, look! I can practice here!"

Cassian stood in the doorway, watching her, tension in his eyes.

"I don't know what level she's at," he said, voice tight. "The barre is adjustable, the floor is professional, won't hurt her feet. If she doesn't like it, we can change it."

"She loves it," I said softly.

A smile appeared on Cassian's face, faint but genuine.

Laila ran a lap around the room, touching every toy, then ran back to the door, looking up at Cassian.

"Cassian, did you do this?"

Cassian crouched down, eye level with her.

"Yes. Do you like it?"

"I love it." Laila was a bit shy. "Thank you!"

She tilted her head looking at him, then pulled on my finger.

"Mommy, can you help me put away my clothes? I want to play in the yard."

I tapped her forehead. "Go play."

Laila cheered and ran out. "Cassian, you come too!" Cassian stood there, looking lost.

"You should go down too," I said without looking up. "I can handle this."

With my permission, Cassian followed Laila to the yard.

Soon laughter drifted up. I didn't need to look to know how happy Laila was.

After unpacking, I stood at the window looking down. The sunlight was perfect.

Laila ran through the flowers, Cassian watching quietly nearby.

Suddenly, Laila ran to him. I heard their conversation clearly.

"Cassian, can you fix my hair?"

In that moment, I saw Cassian freeze completely.

He looked down at the small hand pulling his. "Fix... your hair?" His voice trembled.