Peige's house glittered with luxury ornaments for the New Year. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, and golden ribbons hung across the grand parlor. Amy darted across the room, giggling as the twins bickered loudly over some petty disagreement.
Peige lounged on her velvet couch, one leg elegantly crossed over the other, sipping wine with a look of detached amusement. A sharp knock rattled the front door. She paused, lowering her glass.
"Don't spill my wine, Amy. Run somewhere else," she warned before rising gracefully to answer the door.
When she opened it, Dawn stood there, her expression a mixture of calm and determination. She tried to peek past Peige's shoulder, searching for her siblings.
"Well, look who the cat dragged in. No hugs?" Peige asked, feigning surprise.
"I'm here to take my siblings home," Dawn replied firmly.
Peige blinked, taken aback. Only hours ago, the children had come to her for help after their landlord threw them out. Now Dawn stood at her door, talking about "home" as if such a place existed for them.
Peige smirked. "Home? You mean the streets?" She let out a sharp laugh.
Dawn forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "No. Home, where family lives. They can't stay here—this is a dungeon, not even a house."
Anger flashed across Peige's face. "Stay here. I'll get them for you," she snapped, slamming the door shut.
"Like I'm begging to come in," Dawn muttered, hissing under her breath.
Moments later, the door creaked open again, and her siblings rushed out. Dawn pulled them into a tight embrace, refusing to let go.
"How are you? Are you okay? Have you eaten?" she asked, her voice tumbling over itself.
"One question at a time, Mom," Leslie teased.
They all laughed, the tension melting for a brief moment.
"Come on, let's go home," Dawn said.
Leslie, Jason, and Amy exchanged puzzled looks.
"We have no home, remember?" Jason said softly.
"Not anymore." A small smile curved Dawn's lips, full of secrets she wasn't ready to share.
Meanwhile, Daphne paced across her living room, her hands wringing in nervous thought. How was she going to break the news to Adam? Before she could decide, the front door creaked open. Adam walked in, his shoulders heavy, his eyes shadowed with despair.
"Adam?" Daphne rushed to him. "Are you okay? What happened?"
"She's gone, Mom. Ava is gone," Adam whispered, his voice breaking as tears streamed down his face.
Daphne's heart lurched. She wrapped him in her arms, holding him tightly as her own eyes filled. "She… she's dead?" she asked in a trembling voice.
"No. No, God forbid. She's alive. Just—" Adam swallowed hard, his voice fading. "I'll be in my room." He turned away, his feet dragging.
Daphne exhaled a shaky sigh of relief. Ava was alive. That was all that mattered—for now.
Later that evening, Dawn unlocked the door to their new apartment. Her siblings froze at the threshold, their mouths wide open at the sight of the shimmering interior. Marble floors gleamed, chandeliers sparkled, and every detail whispered luxury.
"Are we in heaven?" Amy asked, her innocent eyes round with wonder.
Dawn laughed softly. "We're home. But if you want to call it heaven, I won't stop you."
Leslie and Jason exchanged questioning looks, silently demanding answers.
"Don't worry about anything," Dawn said with a smile that masked her unease. "Just focus on your studies. And fight less, both of you."
The apartment was everything she had dreamed of for them—a safe, beautiful place. Even if it wasn't truly hers.
Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. She snatched it up.
"Hello? Oh—hi, Alex. Yes, I'll be there tomorrow. Thank you so much." She hung up quickly.
"Who was that?" Leslie asked, her tone sharp with curiosity.
Startled, Dawn turned. "Just a friend."
Jason smirked. "Hey, Leslie, you dropped something."
"What did I drop?" she asked, confused.
"Your nose. It isn't supposed to be in Dawn's business."
Leslie shot him a glare. "And how is that your business? Did she complain?"
The twins erupted into bickering again, their voices rising until Dawn stepped in, assigning them chores to cool off. With grumbling and eye rolls, they stormed away.
Dawn crouched beside Amy. "How about we decorate for New Year this year? Just you and me."
Amy's eyes lit up. "Really? Yes, I'm in!"
"Go change, and we'll go shopping."
The little girl bolted upstairs, leaving Dawn alone with her thoughts. Doubt crept in. Was she wrong to accept the deal? Could she really play her part? What if Adam never fell for her? Worse—what if she fell for him?
Her chest tightened. Would this decision destroy her, or give her family the future they deserved?
"Earth to Dawn," Leslie's voice broke through, stepping back into the room.
Dawn masked her worry with a smile. "Hey. Done with your chores?"
Leslie shrugged. "I kinda left Jason to finish up. Don't tell him."
They both laughed.
Then Leslie's expression turned serious. "Where did all this come from, Dawn?"
Dawn hesitated. "A business deal. Nothing you need to worry about."
She patted Leslie's back and grabbed her bag. "I'm heading out. Don't open the door for anyone but me, understood?"
"How will we know it's you? This is why I need a phone," Leslie argued.
"There's a peephole in the door. Use it. And you're not getting a phone until you're eighteen."
"Ugh, nooo," Leslie groaned.
Dawn chuckled and slipped out.
At the Manchester mansion, she knocked timidly. Daphne opened the door with a warm smile and ushered her in.
Dawn's eyes widened at the sight of the glittering chandeliers, polished marble, and sparkling glassware.
"You haven't started your job yet, and you're already cheating on my son," Daphne teased.
Dawn blinked in confusion. "What?"
"You've fallen in love with this house," Daphne chuckled.
Dawn laughed so hard tears filled her eyes. "I'm sorry, I get it now."
"That was the goal." Daphne winked. "Now, what will I offer you?"
"I'm fine, thank you," Dawn said politely.
"Nonsense. I'll get you a drink." Daphne swept into the kitchen and returned with two glasses of wine.
Dawn accepted, her heart warming at the unexpected kindness. It had been years since she felt this kind of love and gentleness. For a moment, she felt at home.
"So, how are you?" Daphne asked, settling back into her seat.
"Well, I've had better days," Dawn admitted.
"Sell yourself to me, Miss Collins. I want to know more about you." Daphne's tone was gentle, curious.
Dawn sighed and began her story. But before she could finish, Daphne's phone buzzed. She excused herself and answered quickly.
"Adam? Are you okay? Adam, slow down—I can't understand—no, no, no!" Her voice broke, and the phone slipped from her hand. Daphne stood frozen in shock.