The next morning, sunlight filled the room softly. Grace woke early, her mind already racing. Every sound in the house, every shadow, felt important. She had to stay alert—Felicity's safety depended on it.
The girls were getting ready for school. Isabelle chattered happily, unaware of the tension in the room. Felicity moved quietly, brushing her hair. Grace helped her adjust her uniform, fixing collars and straightening straps. As Felicity leaned forward, a few strands of hair fell onto the bedspread.
Grace picked them up gently, holding them close.
These might be important one day, she thought. I have to keep everything safe… everything that can help me protect her and find the truth.
She placed the hair in a small envelope and tucked it carefully into her drawer. Her heart pounded—not with fear, but with determination.
Felicity ran past her, laughing softly, unaware of the danger around her. Grace smiled faintly, brushing back a loose strand of her own hair.
"One day, you'll know, my child," she whispered quietly. "One day, I'll tell you everything… and I'll make sure justice is yours."
Victoria came in briefly, her eyes sharp and cold as they landed on Felicity. Grace's stomach tightened. She knew Victoria didn't like her daughter, didn't want her there. But she stayed calm, hiding every flicker of worry behind a soft smile.
"Don't be late, girls," Victoria said, before leaving.
Grace watched as Isabelle and Felicity walked out the door. Isabelle skipped ahead, carefree, while Felicity held Grace's hand a little tighter. Her heart ached with love and worry.
Stay safe, my precious one, she thought. I will do everything to protect you.
Once the house was quiet, Grace moved through the rooms, thinking, planning, and observing. Every second alone was a chance to gather clues, to prepare for the danger that always seemed just around the corner.
And as sunlight filled the empty house, Grace made a silent vow: she would never stop fighting for Felicity, never stop protecting her, and one day, the truth would come out.