Freya's POV
A polite smile crossed my face as I approached. "Hello, Mrs. Ben. I apologize for my absence lately. The year-end workload has been overwhelming, and I've been completely swamped."
Mrs. Ben's expression shifted slightly before I could finish. "Mrs. Ben sounds so formal, don't you think?"
My breath caught. Instinctively, I turned toward Mack, searching his face for guidance.
He moved closer, his fingers threading through mine in a gesture both possessive and reassuring. "Call her Aunt," he said quietly.
The simple instruction sent shockwaves through me. This wasn't just hand-holding anymore. This was Mack publicly claiming our relationship, and Mrs. Ben was accepting it.
My pulse hammered against my throat. If Mrs. Ben truly approved, then last night when she knew I was with her children, why hadn't she mentioned me once during their conversation? Given her previous coldness toward me, she would have demanded to speak with me, even if only for appearances.
