The sun shone brightly bathing the orphanage grounds in warm light, children’s laughter ringing out as the rich scent of sizzling burgers and sweet lemonade filled the air. The colors of streamers fluttered in the breeze, and the playful shouts felt like a song Lyra hadn’t heard in too long.
Lyra stood in the midst of the celebration, a smile on her face as she watched the children enjoying themselves. Moments like these made all her struggles worthwhile—seeing the pure joy on their faces, giving them a day to simply be carefree kids.
As she scanned the crowd, her gaze landed on Caden, who was chatting with a group of children, his eyes crinkling with laughter at their antics. The sight of him so at ease with her charges sent a warm flutter through her chest, followed immediately by a pa
