Briony emerged from the kitchen, carrying a steaming dish of freshly made meatballs in rich tomato sauce.


    "Hold on, Nina, don''te too close-watch out, it''s hot."


    At her warning, little Nina promptly grabbed her friend Mario''s hand and pulled him aside.


    Only when Briony had set the food on the table did Nina tug Mario over to her side and present him with pride.


    "Mom, look! This is Mario!"


    Nina gently nudged Mario forward until he stood right in front of Briony.


    Briony smiled. Her daughter was a little social butterfly, always inviting friends over, so she was more than used to it by now.


    She crouched down as usual, ready to greet her daughter''s new friend. But the moment she met Mario''s pitch-ck eyes, she froze.


    A strange, indescribable feeling swept over her.


    Mario stared back at Briony. His big, dark eyes reflected her face, and his expression stayed nk and unreadable.


    Nina leaned in close and whispered in Briony''s ear, "Mom, Mario isn''t like most kids. Carol says he doesn''t really like to talk."


    Briony frowned slightly at that.


    Not like most kids?


    Just then, James and Carney walked in from outside, with Carol following behind.


    Carol approached and gave Briony a polite smile. "I hope it''s not too much trouble for us to drop by like this, Mrs. Evans."


    Briony stood up and returned the smile, nodding. "Not at all. Are you Mario''s mom?"


    "I''m actually his nanny," Carol exined gently. "Mario''s parents are busy with work. He''s a little on the spectrum."


    So that was it.


    Briony''s gaze drifted back to Mario''s face, and she sighed softly. "He''s such a beautiful, sweet child. Life must not have been easy for him."


    Carol nodded. "When Mario was born, it was a difficult delivery. His parents went through a lot just to bring him into this world, so seeing him like this now-it''s honestly a blessing."


    Briony looked at Mario, her thoughts drifting to her own son for a brief moment. "He really is a little angel."


    She didn''t dare reach out to touch Mario. She knew children with autism were often sensitive to unexpected contact.


    Sometimes, even a gentle touch from a stranger could be overwhelming.


    Carol said, "He''s a really good kid, just very quiet. New people and ces make him nervous, but he''s very sweet."


    "He certainly seems that way," Briony agreed, ncing at Carol. "Why don''t you and Mario rx in the living room for a bit? I just need to finish a few more dishes and then dinner will be ready."


    "Oh, please, you don''t have to go to so much trouble!" Carol said, a bit flustered. "Let me help you."


    "Nonsense, you''re our guests," Briony said with a warmugh. "Besides, the kids are getting along so well-it''s fate, isn''t it? Make yourself at home. My family''s easygoing, so please, don''t feel like you need to stand on ceremony."


    Carol smiled, ruffling Mario''s hair. "Hear that, Mario? Briony is so kind. Shall we say thank you to her?"


    Mario kept his gaze fixed on Briony.


    Carol braced herself, expecting Mario to remain silent as usual.


    But to everyone''s surprise, Mario shuffled forward and, under all their watchful eyes, gently reached out and wrapped his tiny hand around Briony''s pinky.


    For a split second, the room wentpletely still.


    Nina''s mouth formed a perfect "O" of shock.


    Briony looked down, her gaze locked with Mario''s.


    The instant his small hand gripped her finger, something tightened in Briony''s


    chest. That same, unexinable feeling washed over her again.


    "Th-thank you," Mario said, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Two simple words-but for Mario, it was a huge step.


    Carol''s eyes shimmered with tears. She pressed a hand to her mouth, ovee with disbelief and joy.


    Mario had been diagnosed with signs of autism at two years old. Since then, Carol and another nanny had done their best to guide him, but progress had been slow-until today.


    Somehow, Briony and Nina had managed to reach Mario in a way no one else had.


    Carol could hardly believe her eyes.


    Carney and James were equally astonished.


    James leaned in close, whispering, "No wonder Stewart never wanted a divorce- Bryn just has this magical bond with kids. Any parent would fall for that."


    Carney shot him a sharp look. "Don''t bring up bad memories on such a nice day."


    James held up his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright!"


    Briony knelt down and met Mario''s gaze, her eyes gentle. "Mario, would it be alright if I gave you a hug?"


    Mario blinked, wide-eyed and uncertain.


    The air seemed to grow still as everyone waited for Mario''s answer.


    Even Nina stayed quiet, simply watching Mario with wide, hopeful eyes.


    After half a minute, Mario still hadn''t responded.


    The adults exchanged nces-asking for a hug might be just too much for Mario right now.


    "That''s okay, you don''t have to," Briony said softly, giving his head a gentle pat. "You''re amazing, Mario. I''m so d you''re here.”


    Nina leaned in and whispered to Mario, "Usually, I don''t let my mom hug my friends—I get jealous! But if it''s you, I don''t mind. And let me tell you, my mom gives the best, softest hugs. Don''t you want to try?"


    Mario''s eyes brightened with a hint of longing, but he hesitated, ncing shyly at Briony without saying a word.


    Nina caught on right away. With a big grin, she gave Mario a gentle push toward Briony. "Go on, Mom! Give him a hug!"