Chapter 54: MORNING COMFORT

"What’s wrong with feeling a little comfortable in your own home?" Gary suggested, his voice gentle but firm. There was no need for Xina to dress up unless she wanted to. It wasn’t as though they were expecting anyone important for her to impress. Xina didn’t respond immediately. For a few moments, she remained silent, her eyes closed. Finally, she opened them and looked at Gary with her misty, gray eyes—eyes that seemed to hold entire worlds within them. "Is this really my home?" she asked quietly, almost as if she was afraid to believe it. Xina had never felt a true sense of belonging in the Webster family home. The place was grand, filled with luxuries, but it never felt like hers. It was as though she was always just a guest, never quite fitting in. But here, with Gary, things felt different, and yet, the uncertainty lingered. Gary didn’t miss the way her voice wavered. He pulled her closer, his embrace warm and reassuring. He knew exactly what she was feeling—the mix of hope an