Chapter 27
THIRD PERSON’S POV
Sophia brought her daughter to Sky Manor. The moment the door shut behind them, Sophia’s heart started to pound.
Ashley was just a five year old girl but she had a big personality.
“Please, let this go well p>
“Please, let this go well p>
“Please, let this go well.” Sophia kept whispering to herself.
When they got in, Sophia smiled. Her wolf instantly recognized the house as safe immediately but Ashley’s did not as her small body went stiff. She lifted her shoulders as if she was bracing for danger.
The family gathered quickly.
They were drawn in by the sound of the door and the long-awaited arrival of Ashley. They were all excited to meet her and get to know her.
Their faces lit up with smiles full of hope and excitement.
Pa Donald stepped forward first. His voice was warm and proud.
“There you are,” he said. “Welcome home, my granddaughter p>
Annette followed closely. Her hands were already opening for a hug. Her eyes were glassy with emotion. She couldn’t hide how emotional she was.
“Oh, she’s beautiful,” she whispered. “She looks just like p>
Ashley suddenly pressed herself hard against her mom’s side.
Her fingers grabbed on to her clothes, and she hid behind her legs. She peeked out with narrowed eyes full of suspicion and hatred.
She didn’t return Donald’s smile. She didn’t acknowledge Annette at all. Instead, she glared at them.
Sophia felt her stomach twist.
“It’s okay,” she said softly, rubbing Ashley’s back. “You’re safe here. They’re just your grandparents p>
Ashley didn’t relax. She didn’t say anything. She hid further behind Sophia.
Klara approached slowly to Ashley’s.
“Hi,” she said with a soft smile. “I’m Klara p>
Marco waved from behind her, trying to sound cheerful. “I’m Marco. You mommy’s brother and technically your uncle. I’ve got some toys upstairs. Cars, games p>
Ashley stared at them without speaking. Her grip on Sophia tightened instead.
Sophia forced a small smile. “Everyone here is family,” she repeated. “You don’t have to be scared p>
Ashley muttered under her breath, “I don’t know them. I don’t want to know them”
The family moved into the living room, trying to ease the tension. Annette hurried to the table and returned with a tray of snacks and sweets she had prepared carefully since morning. Her hands shook a bit as she set them down.
“I made these for you,” Annette said gently. “Do you like cookies p>
Ashley glanced at the tray and wrinkled her nose. “They look weird p>
Annette’s smile faltered for just a second, but she recovered. “They’re very tasty,” she said softly.
Patricia stepped in quickly. “Why don’t we play a little game?” she suggested.
Ashley didn’t move. She folded her arms and scanned the room like she owned it. Her facial expression was hard and unimpressed.
She looked at Klara, narrowing her eyes at her. Klara smiled at her.
Klara tried once more. “You have very pretty hair,” she said kindly.
Ashley’s mouth twisted. “You’re ugly,” she said suddenly. “And fat p>
The words landed hard. The room went completely silent.
Klara froze. Instantly, her face drained of color. Her lips parted slightly, but no sound came out.
Humiliation filled her expression.
Annette gasped softly and turned away. Tears spilled freely from her eyes now. She clutched the serving tray tightly till her knuckles turned white.
Sophia froze like she had been struck. Heat rushed to her face. She felt so many emotions inside her – shame, anger, and disbelief crashing together. Her wolf growled inside her, feeling annoyed at the disrespect.
“Ashley,” Sophia said sharply. “You do not talk like that p>
Ashley rolled her eyes dramatically. “This house smells funny,” she added. “And that food looks disgusting p>
Annette flinched.
Donald cleared his throat. His brows furrowed as he struggled to find words. Marco looked down at the floor. His jaw went tight. Everyone could see the anger and confusion burning in his eyes.
“I’m so sorry,” Sophia said quickly to all of them then she turned to Ashley. “That was rude. Apologize p>
Ashley scoffed. “Why should I? She started it p>
Klara straightened slowly. “How? I didn’t insult you did I p>
Ashley shrugged. “Why not? It’s not my fault you’re ugly and fat p>
That was the breaking point.
“Enough,” Sophia snapped. Her voice cut through the room. She grabbed Ashley’s arm firmly. “We’re going upstairs. Now p>
“I didn’t do anything!” Ashley screamed, jerking back. “You’re mean! Dad wouldn’t do this too me p>
Sophia didn’t release her. Her jaw was clenched tight. Her wolf growled for control as she dragged Ashley toward the stairs.
“I hate this place!” Ashley yelled, kicking and screaming. “You’re embarrassing me p>
Their voices faded as they went upstairs, leaving the living room frozen in stunned silence.
Marco slammed his hand lightly against the table.
“I should go up there,” he said angrily. “No kid talks to my sister or my mom like that. That girl is a brat p>
Patricia grabbed his arm. “No,” she said firmly. “Let Sophia handle it p>
Donald sighed heavily and rubbed his temples. Annette sank slowly into a chair. She was visibly shaken. Her hands still shook in her lap.
After a long, painful pause, Patricia spoke quietly.
“We should eat,” she said. “Before the food gets cold p>
They gathered around the table in silence.
Plates were passed. Forks clinked too loudly. No one spoke. The food tasted like nothing.
Everyone was hurt and disappointed.
That was how they had dinner at the Sky Manor that night in silence.