I felt a sense of quiet satisfaction but resisted the urge to gloat. Instead, I turned to Caleb, whose face was slowly breaking into an expression of relief and wonder. “See, Caleb? Luna is every bit a Monroe, through and through.”

Caleb reached over and gently touched Luna’s tiny hand, his eyes brimming with affection. “She’s perfect,” he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

Vivien, for her part, remained silent, an internal battle playing across her features. Slowly, she nodded, her previous convictions dissipating. “I… I didn’t know,” she admitted, her voice softer, almost humbled.