Chapter 273

Cassie listened quietly, her expression gentle.

“And now it’s here,” she murmured, a quiet smile forming on her lips.

Carmel’s hand rested instinctively over her stomach, her smile deepening not just with happiness, but with quiet disbelief.

“Yes… it’s here,” she said softly. “Like a dream I didn’t even know I was allowed to have.”

The room fell into a warm silence, filled not with words but with understanding

Then, after a brief pause, Carmel stepped closer again. With careful fingers, she adjusted a loose strand of Cassie’s hair near her temple, her touch light, almost sisterly… almost reverent.

“You’re ready,” she said quietly.