She pulled back, turning toward the grand staircase where servants were already gathering my things. My suitcase. My clothes. My life being packed up without a single word from Gavin.
“This is over, Ofelia,” she said, gesturing at the bags. “You’ve done your part. You can leave now.”
A lump formed in my chest, heavy and suffocating. But before I could say anything, a small voice cut through the tension.
“No!”
Mavin’s tiny feet thudded against the steps as he bolted down the stairs, his little arms wrapped tightly around my waist. He buried his face into my stomach, clutching onto me with all his strength.
“Mommy, don’t go!”
My heart cracked.
Avery’s smile tightened, but she kept her composure. “Mavin, sweetheart, I’m your mother,” she said, crouching to his level.
Mavin peeked up at her, his brows furrowing. “No, you’re not,” he said stubbornly. “Mommy is.” His grip on me tightened. “I don’t want her to leave.”
Avery’s expression flickered for just a second before she sighed dramatically. “He doesn’t even recognize me,” she muttered under her breath.
Gavin finally spoke; his voice unreadable. “Ofelia can stay.”
Avery’s head snapped toward him. “What?”