Chapter 7 - A Mother's Vow
Six months after Marjorie's arrest, the sun shone brightly over a quiet coastal town two hours outside the city.
Tessa had used her portion of Owen's cleared estate to buy a small, light-filled cottage near the beach. She re-opened her catering business, Wren's Kitchen, which quickly became a beloved staple in the local community.
Denise had moved into a charming guest house on the property, helping take care of the garden and spending endless hours playing with her granddaughter.
Wren was no longer the quiet, terrified child who hid food or panicked when she made a mess. She was four years old now, her cheeks rosy with health, her laughter echoing through the halls of their home.
On a warm Saturday afternoon, Julian walked up the porch steps, carrying a box of freshly picked strawberries from the local market.
"Look what I brought, Wren!" Julian called out.
May you like
Wren came running out of the kitchen, wearing a little yellow apron covered in flour, and threw her arms around Julian's legs. "Julian! Mommy and I are making strawberry shortcake!"
Julian laughed, picking her up and swinging her around before looking over at Tessa, who was standing in the doorway, wearing a chef's apron, her face radiant with happiness.
