Grace’s POV

I sank to my knees in front of the main door of Olivia’s apartment, my heart pounding as the reality of Ellen’s departure hit me like a tidal wave. My eyes were wide, my face frozen in a mask of disbelief and horror. This couldn’t be happening—it had to be a nightmare.

“Why did Ellen leave? Is she coming back?” Mia’s voice trembled with desperation, her small frame shaking as she clung to her mother.

“Shh, sweetheart, it’s okay. Ellen will be back,” Olivia ...