Derek had overheard every word they exchanged. He understood that this arrangement was the only way to keep both Naomi and Vivian from feeling like outsiders in the family.
Old Mr. Sinclair gave his second grandson a few final instructions before leaving the ward on his crutches, Marcus walking steadily beside him.
The sky outside gradually darkened.
Naomi carried a glass of warm milk over to Lily, who sat on the sofa reading a book.
“It’s getting late, Lily. Drink your milk and go to bed,” she said in a gentle voice.
Lily closed the book, set it aside, and obediently finished the milk in one go. A thin white trace remained at the corner of her mouth.
Naomi’s expression softened. She pulled out a tissue and carefully wiped it away. “After you wash up, go to sleep obediently, understa
