Maya stood outside the dining room, taking a moment to compose herself before entering. The weight of what was about to unfold pressed against her chest, though she kept her face calm, masking the emotions swirling beneath the surface. Her family had always been a source of strength for her—a lineage filled with pride, duty, and unspoken responsibilities. Yet, they had also been a source of love, something many wouldn't have expected given the Evergreen family's prominence.
She let her mind drift for a moment, thinking about her parents, her upbringing, and her brother. It was strange, really—how the world saw them as distant, noble figures, yet behind the scenes, they had always shown her kindness and care, even if it had been cloaked in the weight of their duties.