Chapter 331

Serena’s POV I stood there for a moment, stunned, half-convinced the child was simply saying something sweet and nonsensical—as children often did. I forced a gentle smile. "Then your mommy must be very beautiful," I said softly. "I hope I'll get to meet her someday." Vivian's expression changed. Her small shoulders drooped, and the brightness in her eyes dimmed, as if someone had quietly turned down a light. "My mommy's not home," she said. Not dramatic. Not tearful. Just honest. "She's gone." The word sat heavily between us. "Daddy says she's missing," Vivian continued, her voice calm in that unsettling way only children could manage. "He's been looking for her for a really long time. But he still can't find her." Something twisted sharply in my chest, catching me completely off guard. I didn't know this child. And yet her quiet sadness settled into me as if it belonged there. Before I could say anything, Rancy reached out. Her little fingers wrapped around Vivian's hand in a clumsy