Both women gasped.
Carmela especially felt her heart racing as she murmured under her breath.
"...Family?"
It was like she'd never even considered that word before. Like she didn't even know she had one.
Cassius nodded firmly.
"Of course, family." He spoke enthusiastically. "Whether it's me, your husband—" He teased, making both of them roll their eyes. "—or Maria, who considers both of you her daughters."
A look of fondness appeared on both their faces at the mention of Maria's name.
"Or Aqua, who always wants to be part of your close relationships." Cassius continued, and they smiled at the thought of his bubbly sister.
"And don't forget Isabellele, Portia, Nala, Vivi, Diana, Julie, Aisha, Skadi, or anyone else in this mansion."
He pulled them closer, his voice overflowing with warmth. "They're all your family!"
Both of their bodies heated up—not with excitement, but with a profound sense of warmth.
Hearing someone say 'family' so openly, so genuinely, was overwhelming.
