They turned the corner, and the mansion gates came into view. Tall. Imposing. Surrounded by high walls and security cameras Ray had installed six months ago.
"Can we have snacks when we get home?" Lily tugged his hand. "I'm hungry."
"Me too!" Aiden chimed in. "Can we have the cookies Grandma made?"
"We'll see what Jay has prepared," Ray said, fishing the gate remote from his pocket.
"Papa Jay makes the best sandwiches," Lily said matter-of-factly. "But they're always too big."
"That's because papa Jay thinks everyone eats as much as he does," Ray replied, pressing the button. The gates swung open with a quiet mechanical hum.
As they walked through, Aiden suddenly stopped. "Dad?"
"Yes?"
"Why don't we have a mama like the other kids?"
The question landed like a boulder in Ray's chest. His throat tightened. For a moment, he couldn't breathe.
Lily elbowed her brother. "Aiden! Miss Chen said not to ask about that!"
"But I want to know!" Aiden's lower lip jutted out stubbornly.
