That evening, as the family gathered for dinner, Samantha excitedly recounted her school day before anyone could settle. "And then, Mrs. Connelly said my drawing was the best in the whole class!" she beamed, her fork clinking against her plate as she stabbed a piece of broccoli.

Evelyn smiled, resting her chin in her hand. Samantha's energy was infectious, and though she wanted to remind her to chew with her mouth closed, she refrained. Derek had said he preferred open dinner conversations—a noisy dinner was better than a silent one, in his opinion.

"That's wonderful, Sam," Maya said warmly, leaning forward. "What did you draw?"

"A castle with winged unicorns! And Mrs. Connelly said I have a big imagination!" Samantha's eyes sparkled, her words tumbling out. "Well, I'm glad your talent is finally being recognized," Derek said with mock seriousness, making Samantha puff up with pride.

Maya chuckled, enjoying the warm atmosphere. Moments like these felt truly homey. "You do have a big imagination. Did you give the unicorns names?"

"Of course!" Samantha paused dramatically, glancing at each adult. "The blue one is Sparkle, the pink one is Starry, and the green one is uh Lucky!" "That's a perfect name," Maya said, smiling. "Lucky sounds very unique."

"Sparkle is beautiful," Evelyn added, ruffling Samantha's hair.

As Samantha continued, Derek grew quiet, eating methodically. But his gaze kept flicking toward Maya's necklace—a delicate silver chain with a locket nestled above her collarbone. His eyes narrowed slightly; the locket seemed to hold unspoken significance he couldn't place.

Evelyn, beside him, noticed. Her brow furrowed as she watched him and Maya. The longer he stared, the more uneasy she felt. Why was he looking at Maya like that? she wondered, following his gaze.

Trying not to overreact, she forced a smile. "Derek?" she said lightly but pointedly, interrupting the conversation. Raising an eyebrow, she teased, "You seem very interested in Maya's necklace. Is there a story I don't know about?"

She hoped it was only the necklace.

Derek blinked, startled. He looked from Evelyn to Maya, whose hand instinctively went to the necklace.

Evelyn tilted her head. "Do you have a thing for lockets, Derek?" she asked, playfully but with an underlying edge.

Sensing the tension, Maya took a sip of water and forced a smile. "I-I haven't worn it before," she said softly. "It's special to me."

Derek hesitated, struggling to articulate his thoughts. "It's not that," he began, but Maya's phone vibrated. Liam's name flashed on the screen. She'd been awaiting his call all day. "Sorry, I need to take this," she said, rising from the table.

Once Maya left, Evelyn turned to Derek, her smile fading. Lowering her voice, she asked, "Was it really the necklace?"

Derek paused, meeting her eyes. "What else would I be looking at?" he asked, confused.

Evelyn hesitated, then sighed. "Forget it. It's nothing."

But Derek didn't look away. Hurt flickered across his face as he understood. "You think I was—" He stopped, disbelief in his voice. "I can't believe you thought that, let alone asked." His voice was firm, but not raised. He set down his fork and leaned back, his jaw tight.

"It was just an innocent question," Evelyn said, lacking conviction.

Derek looked at her, letting her know he knew she suspected him of ogling Maya. "You really think I'm that sort of person? Or that I would disrespect you?" He shook his head.

The tension was thick. Samantha, chewing a carrot, looked up wide-eyed. "Are you fighting?"

Evelyn and Derek softened instantly. "No, sweetheart," Evelyn said, forcing a smile. "We're just talking."

"Grown-up talk," Derek added gently. He resumed eating.

Samantha eyed them suspiciously, then shrugged. "Okay. But you sounded like you were fighting."

"We weren't, Princess. I love your mummy too much to fight with her," Derek said, giving Evelyn a look that conveyed both love and disappointment in her lack of faith.

Upstairs, Maya answered Liam's call.

"Hey, Maya," Liam said, warm but hesitant. "Is this a good time?"

Maya leaned against the wall, idly touching her locket. "Yeah. I was having dinner, but it's okay. What's up?"

"I'm sorry I didn't call earlier," Liam apologized. "I got caught up."

"It's fine," Maya assured him. "Did you find anything?"

Liam paused. "I did. And you won't believe what I found out." Maya's heart raced. "What is it?"

"I spoke with someone at the orphanage," Liam explained. "Someone asked about the boy in the picture you sent a couple of weeks ago. And recently, someone else inquired about the woman who left him twenty-nine years ago and took his baby sister."

Maya froze. "Are you serious?" she whispered.

"I am," Liam said excitedly. "It's incredible. While you're searching for your brother, it seems he's been searching for you too."

A lump formed in Maya's throat. "Did you find out who was asking? Can I meet them?"

"I asked the orphanage to reach out," Liam said. "I gave them my contact information."

Maya's heart raced. "I don't mind flying to Husla if it means meeting him. If they ask, you can say I'm in Husla." "Got it," Liam promised. "I'll let you know as soon as I hear back. Hopefully, tomorrow."

"Thank you so much, Liam," Maya said, her voice thick with emotion.

"Don't thank me yet," Liam teased. "But I'll do everything I can."

When the call ended, Maya leaned against the wall, then flopped onto her bed, kicking her legs in joy. "He's looking for me," she whispered, tears welling. "He didn't forget about me." She felt whole for the first time since losing her mother.

After a moment, Maya sat up, wiped her eyes, and touched her locket, whispering a prayer. This felt like the beginning of something life-changing.

Returning to the dining room, she found everyone quiet, hoping Evelyn and Derek weren't fighting. The rest of the meal was nearly silent, except for Samantha. Evelyn tried to talk, but Derek remained silent. Evelyn watched him, guilt twisting in her chest. She shouldn't have asked that. Why had her insecurity crept in?

Derek excused himself. Evelyn followed. She caught him in their bedroom and hugged him from behind. "I'm sorry," she said, turning to face him. "I really don't know where that came from. I saw you gazing at her intently, and I just I felt uncomfortable. Maybe it's my past relationship; I don't want to be fooled again," she explained softly. Derek sighed.

"I love you, Eve. I love you completely. I'm yours. I haven't wanted anyone else since I met you six years ago. I'm hurt you'd think so low of me. I understand your insecurity, but can you trust me? I've never given you reason to doubt my love or loyalty, have I?" He asked, and she shook her head.

"Then please, don't insult my love by thinking that way. I was staring at the locket. Nothing else. I swear," he said.

"I know. I believe you. I'm sorry," she said.

"It's fine," he said, and Evelyn batted her lashes.

"I could make it up to you," she said suggestively, and he chuckled.

"We'll see how you plan to do that," Derek said with a grin. Evelyn embraced him, relieved.