The room seemed to breathe again, a collective sigh as people leaned in, eager to hear more. Dolores paused, her eyes narrowing slightly as she continued to read. “I am the man I am today because of Serena and Ivy. They have taught me patience, kindness, and the importance of standing up for those you love. Accepting them into my life was not an act of charity or burden—it was a blessing.”
A few of our guests began nodding, and I felt Marcus’s grip tighten around my hand in support. Dolores’s voice wavered, the steel in her demeanor cracking. “I hope one day you’ll see them as I do: not as an obligation, but as the family I chose. I love them, Mom, and I have every confidence you will, too, if you give them a chance.”
