Chapter 181: The Announcement

The morning sun filtered through the kitchen window as I sipped my coffee, enjoying the calm before the storm of the day. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the smell of the pancakes I was making for Grace. She was sitting at the table, her little hands busy coloring in her new book, the tip of her tongue peeking out in concentration. These peaceful mornings had become my sanctuary, a moment to breathe and gather my thoughts before the whirlwind of the day began. Just as I flipped the last pancake, I heard the front door open and close. Jason was home earlier than usual. His steps were hurried, and I could sense the excitement even before he appeared in the doorway of the kitchen. “Hey, you’re back early,” I said, turning to greet him with a smile. “Everything okay?” Jason’s face was a mix of excitement and nervous energy. He set his briefcase down and loosened his tie. “Lily, something big happened at the office today.” I handed him a cup of coffee, m