Chapter 8 y the time Paisley arrived home , the house was quiet , steeped in the serenity of the late evening .
By Serena was already fast asleep , curled up in her linle bed with her favorite plush toy tucked snugly under her arm .
Her tiny lips were slightly parted , her breathing soft and even , the picture of pure innocence .
Paisley leaned against the door frame , her heart swelling with affection at the sight .
For a moment , she fought the overwhelming urge to kiss her daughter on the cheeks .
But she restrained herself , not wanting to disturb Serenas peaceful slumber .
In the dining room , the warm , inviting aroma of freshly prepared food wafted from the kitchen .
Maria was there , bustling about as she laid out a light late night snack .
I figured you wouldnt v knowing smile .
want anything heavy after a night out , so I made something easy on the stomach , Maria said , beckoning Paisley over with a Grateful .
Paisley sat down as Maria placed a steaming bowl of oatmeal in front of her .
Although she hadnt drunk much during dinner , her stomach still felt unsettled , and the soothing warmth of the oatmeal was a welcome relict .
How was Renas day at preschool ? Paisley asked , her tone casual , though her mind lingered on her earlier promise to be the first parent to pick Serena up after school a promise she hadnt been able to keep thanks to Carys unexpected dinner invitation .
Maria hesitated , her brow creasing slightly as she recalled the scene at pick up time with a heavy heart .
When I got there , she didnt look too happy .
Her eyes were a little red , like shed been crying .
I asked her what was wrong , but she didnt say anything Crying ? Paisleys chest tightened , a pang of guilt and worry uning her simultaneously .
Did you ask the teacher about it ? Maria nodded , her voice gentle but tinged with sympathy .
I did .
The teacher said Rena was probably just homesick .
Once she gets more comfortable with the other kids , it should get better .
Paisley let out a soft sigh , running her fingers absently along the edge of the table .
Anything else 1 should know ? she asked , though a nagging guilt pricked at her .
Ive been far from the perfect mom lately , she thought Maria tilted her head , replaying the teachers words in her mind .
Oh , right .
Today , Rena met a boy , a little older than her .
But he didnt want to play with her .
Her tone sharpened as she wiped the already spotless table with unnecessary force .
Didnt want to play with Rena ! If anything .
Rena wouldnt want to play with him Rena is our little princess .
Whats that boy got thats so special , huh ! Paisley chuckled sofily , knowing Marias indignation was pure bias .
Still , she didnt stop her from venting .
After all , there was no one else around to judge It was right oclock in the morning , and the golden sunlight filtered through the leaves , casting playful dappled shadows on the pavement .
A gentle breeze carried the faint scent of blooming flowers , filling the air with the promise of a beautiful day .
Marissa had just pulled her car into the kindergartens parking lot when her niece Stellas curious voice p Whats wrong , sweetheart ? Marissa asked , glancing at her through the rearview mirror .
piped up from the backseat .
Typically , the routine was seamless the Vanderbilt familys chauffeur would first pick up Grayson from their estate , and then swing by Prescott Villa to collect Stella .
The two children would arrive together , a tiny duo of morning camaraderie .
But today , Grayson had overslept and the chauffeur couldnt pick up Stella .
Stella pointed toward the entrance , her small finger hovering in the air .
Its that lady again .
Hmmm ? What about her ? asked Marissa , following Stellas gaze .
There was something oddly familiar about the relaxed but her aura commanding .
figure near the gates , her posture Stella crossed her arms , a pout forming on her lips .
Yesterday , Sonny saw that lady with her little girl and got all upset thinking about his mom Marissa raised an eyebrow .
Kids could be so unpredictable , she thought , just like Stella , who now seemed to dislike someone she hadnt even met face to face .
At that moment , a gust of wind swept through ruffling the womans hair .
She turned slightly , tucking the windswept strands back into place with i graceful motion .
1/2 Chapter 8 And in that fleeting instant , Marissa caught sight of her face .
Paisley ? she exclaimed , her voice tinged with disbelief .
Stella tilted her head and pointed at Paisley , puzzled by her aunts reaction .
Aunt Marissa , what did you say ? Do you know that lady ? That lady in perity .

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Prettier than Aunt Marissa , she thought to herself with the brutal honesty of a child .
Her mind spun with curiosity as she glanced at Pandey It was then that Stella noticed the little girl in Paisleys arms .
The child clung to Paisley and Paisley seemed reluctant to let go of her .
Recognition flashed in Stellas wide eyes .
Its her , Stella blurted out , her tone a mix of surprise and something resembling disapproval .