Aurora’s POV

Dinner felt more like an examination than a meal. I sat quietly, feeling the tension run through the room. I could sense the glances, the weight of every word about to be said.

Helen was the first to strike, putting on a sweet voice as she addressed the table. “Since Aurora is being taken in, for the health and life of the whole family, we all have to make some adjustments.”

She didn’t look at me. The word “taken in” hit hard. Helen had always been the one who was ...