Seeing Vera smile at me the moment our eyes met, something tight inside my chest finally loosened. The relief hit me so hard that the words came out before I could even think about them.
"I'm sorry!" I said out loud. "I'm really sorry for coming late."
My voice carried across the living room, loud enough to draw everyone's attention. One by one, my women turned their heads toward me, their expressions shifting the moment they realized I had arrived. The atmosphere changed instantly, like the room itself had been holding its breath.
I didn't stop moving. I power-walked toward Vera, my focus locked entirely on her.
Before I could reach her, a blur rushed past me.
"Sister!" Jill cried out in shock.
