The declaration rippled outward through the gathered guests like a stone dropped into still water, conversations trailing off entirely as attention shifted toward the small, determined girl standing at the center of the ballroom, her stuffed rabbit clutched tightly against her chest. Whispers began circulating rapidly among the elegantly dressed attendees, several exchanging uncertain, curious glances toward Anna, who had gone visibly still near the refreshment table, her tray trembling slightly in her grip.
Celeste's carefully maintained composure flickered for the first time all evening, her earlier gracious smile faltering into something more uncertain as she watched the unexpected scene unfolding in front of the very guests she'd hoped to impress tonight.
Anna set her tray down carefully, crossing the small distance toward Sophie with visible reluctance, clearly uncomfortable with the sudden, unwanted attention now directed her way. She knelt down in front of the little girl, taking her small hands gently in her own.
"Sweetheart," Anna said softly, her voice carrying a gentle firmness despite the emotion visibly building beneath her composed exterior, "please, go back to your dad. This isn't the right moment for this."