CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY - School Dilemmas

"To family," everyone echoed, the gentle clink of glasses ringing out in the dining room. As they began to eat, the conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and the occasional excited interjection from Sophie. Lydia regaled them with stories of her apartment hunting adventures, while Ella and Lucas shared anecdotes from the café. "Remember that time Lydia tried to make a latte art heart and it came out looking like a blob?" Lucas teased, earning a playful glare from Lydia. "Hey, I got better!" she protested, laughing. "My swans are practically Instagrammable now." Sophie, who had been listening intently, piped up. "Aunt Lydia, will you still come visit us at the café when you move?" A hush fell over the table as all eyes turned to Lydia. She reached out to take Sophie's small hand in hers. "Of course I will, sweetie. I may be moving to my own place, but you're all still my family. Nothing's going to change that." Ella felt tears prick at her eyes at the sincerity in her