When the morning sunlight filtered in, I slowly woke up.
The moment I opened my eyes, I met my mother’s gaze. She was just looking at me like that—gentle, intent, as if she could never get enough.
I had never seen that kind of deep, instinctive maternal tenderness on Marielle’s face.
The second she saw I was awake, she leaned in, pressed a soft kiss to my cheek, and even instinctively breathed in my scent.
“Good morning, sweetheart.”
I answered obediently, “Good morning, Mommy.”
Her eyes curved with warmth.
“Sweetheart, tomorrow is your birthday. How about I take you out today to buy some beautiful dresses?”
Her voice was bright with excitement. “I’m going to dress you up so prettily—so you’ll be the most beautiful little princess at your birthday party tomorrow.”
As she said this
