She had always been a woman who carried her charm with natural ease — not flashy, but present like the scent of fresh coffee in the morning. When her stepson showed up unexpectedly at the door, she welcomed him with a warm smile. “Your father’s not home at the moment, but come in,” she said, her gaze lingering just a second longer than necessary. The living room filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and something sweet from the oven. Her manner was caring, her words kind, but there was a playful undertone in her voice — something he noticed, though he couldn’t quite place it yet.

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