At that moment, the beautician called Elena for her manicure session. Elena placed her phone on speaker so she could keep talking to Mila while settling into the seat. She didn't notice that Vivienne, who was standing only a few steps away, could now hear every word.
On the other end of the call came the cheerful little voice, "Elena aunty, what are you doing?"
Elena smiled, glancing toward the beautician arranging the tools. "Hmm… guess what I'm doing, sweetheart."
There was a short pause before Mila's playful voice answered, "Shopping?"
Elena laughed softly, her eyes lighting up. "No, baby. Elena aunty is in the parlor."
Mila gasped in delight. "Wow! The parlor? Where are you going, aunty? Is Papa taking you on a date? Elena aunty, you should take a gift from Papa, okay? Don't go on a date with him without getting flowers and a gift!"
Vivienne's hands stiffened at her sides as she listened — that innocent, loving voice cutting deep, every word echoing sharply in her mind.
