The driver helps with my bags, and I stand for a moment in the circular driveway, taking in the place I grew up but haven’t visited in months. Europe had been my escape—art galleries in Paris, cobblestone streets in Prague, anything to distance myself from Mom’s empty hospital room and the hollow feeling she left behind. Then the cliff house, where everything began and ended. Where Hunter’s hands had steadied me.
Before I can reach for the door, it flies open.
“Aurora!” Olivia launches herself at me in a flurry of expensive perfume and designer clothes. My sister wraps her arms around me so tightly I can barely breathe. “You’re finally home! I’ve been texting you for days!”
Despite my emotional exhaustion, I can’t help but smile as I hug her back. “I was at Dad’s cliff house. Service is terrible there.”
Liv pulls back, her perfectly manicured hands gripping my shoulders. “The cliff house? Why would you go there?” Her eyes narrow with concern. “That place is nothing but bad memories.”
“It was the anniversary,” I say simply. She knows what I mean.
Her expression softens. “You should have told me. I would have gone with you.”
“I needed to be alone.” The memory of Hunter’s intense gaze flashes through my mind. Well, not entirely alone. I couldn’t stop thinking about him, but he never resurfaced again during the two days I spent there.
“Well, you’re home now.” Liv links her arm through mine, practically vibrating with excitement as she pulls me inside. “And I have the biggest news ever. You won’t believe what happened while you were gone!”
Liv drags me through the foyer. “Dad’s waiting in the dining room. He’s been asking about you all day, you know.”
“Is that my Aurora I hear?” Derek’s voice carries from down the hall.
My heart warms at the sound. He’s not my biological father, but he’s been “Dad” since he married Mom when I was eight. After losing both my birth father and, just last year, my mother, Derek has been my rock.
We enter the dining room where he’s already standing, arms outstretched. His silver-flecked dark hair is perfectly styled as always, his custom suit impeccable despite the late hour.
“There she is.” His embrace feels like home—steady and secure. He holds me at arm’s length, his eyes searching mine. “You look tired, sweetheart. Europe wasn’t enough of a break?”
“I stopped at the cliff house on my way back,” I admit.
Understanding crosses his face. He doesn’t press for details, just nods and squeezes my shoulder. “I’m glad you’re home. Martha made your favorite.”
The table is set for three, but it’s not the formal dining setup we use for business associates or society events. Tonight, we’re gathered at the smaller breakfast nook with its bay windows overlooking the gardens. Candles flicker between plates of roasted chicken, creamy risotto, and fresh vegetables.
“Wine, Aurora?” Derek reaches for the bottle of Chardonnay.
“Please.”
Olivia fidgets in her seat, clearly bursting to share her news but playing along with the routine of our family dinner first. We fall into our familiar rhythm—passing dishes, sharing bites, the conversation flowing easily.
“The Harrison Foundation gala exceeded our fundraising goal,” Derek mentions, pride evident in his voice. “The children’s hospital will get its new wing.”
“That’s wonderful,” I say, feeling a twinge of guilt for missing it.
“Aurora contributed the most beautiful piece for the auction,” Liv adds, smiling at me. “Your painting of the Italian coastline went for double the estimated value.”
“Really?” I feel a spark of pride. My art has always been a private passion.
Derek raises his glass. “To my two incredibly talented daughters.”
As we clink glasses, I realize how much I’ve missed this—the three of us, together. Whatever storm clouds gather outside our family circle, in here, we’re just us.
Liv can barely contain herself any longer, tucking her perfectly highlighted blonde hair behind one ear—a gesture I recognize as her trying to hold back excitement. We couldn’t look more different if we tried. She’s all polished elegance in her cream cashmere sweater, while I’m still in the same jeans and oversized sweater I wore on the plane.
After we toast, Derek turns his attention to Liv. “Now, I think your sister is dying to hear your news.”
“Yes!” Liv claps her hands together. “Daddy approved my proposal for the new social media campaign for Harrison Industries! I’m going to be the face of the youth outreach initiative!”
I smile, genuinely happy for her. While I’ve chosen art and independence, Liv has always embraced her role as the Harrison heiress, polishing her public persona to mirror Dad’s business values.
