Chapter 119

Ellie

I sat at the dinner table, my eyes moving between Giovanni, Elora in her stroller beside me, and Lucas sitting on a chair next to Giovanni. The aroma from the steaming plates of pasta filled the room as we prepared to eat together.

"Ellie," Giovanni said firmly, his gaze meeting mine. "I would like us to have dinner together every night. Family time is important."

"Okay," I agreed, my voice catching in my throat.

Giovanni looked down at the food, then back up at me. "Promise me, Ellie. Promise this will be our routine."

"Promise," I whispered, my heart pounding in my chest.

The steam from the plate of vegetables rose, filling the air with a comforting warmth. Giovanni glanced over at Lucas, who was attempting to hide a grimace as he poked at his broccoli.

"Lucas," Giovanni said, his tone firm but kind. "Vegetables are important for you to grow big and strong. You can't just eat pasta every day."