The front door creaked open, and I stepped inside, letting the familiar scent of aged wood and faint lavender wash over me. My heels clacked against the marble floor, but the sound was drowned out by an unexpected flurry of activity. Maids—actual maids, both familiar and unfamiliar—hurried past, their polished shoes squeaking softly as they carried trays, linens, and what looked like fresh flowers.
I stood frozen. I'd almost forgotten what it was like, how different it was from the stillness of three days ago. The house had come alive again.
I sat at the long mahogany table, its polished surface reflecting the flicker of the chandelier above. Grandpa cleared his throat, his gaze scanning the room with the air of someone making an announcement.
"I've decided it's time to bring back the maids," he said, his voice steady but carrying an edge I couldn't place. "The house needs more than just cleaning—it needs life again."
I poked at my roasted vegetables, waiting for someone to say something. The clinking of silverware against plates was the only response.
"And," he continued, his eyes resting on me, "we'll be having a welcome party. In three months. For Beatrice."
I looked around the table. Everyone's faces were full of smiles, their weary expressions brightening at the thought.
I had initially wanted to persuade them not to, but seeing them so happy, I dismissed the idea. My heart warmed at their excitement.
That moment had happened weeks ago, and their excitement still lingered in my mind. The days had passed in a blur of work and routine, leaving me with little time to dwell on it. But now, finally, I had a moment to breathe.
I was now inside the room. I walked towards the bed and sat down on the mattress, stretching my stiff neck from all the work at the office...
Reaching for my clutch bag, I took out my phone. It was time to reconnect with my friends again. I dialed a familiar number.
The call connected. "Honey, I'm back. Let's meet up. I booked a private room at your favorite fancy restaurant," I said happily.
"Hmm." After that, she hung up. I chuckled softly—she was still the same.
After putting my phone down, I took a long, hot bath. The water wrapped around me like a cocoon, soothing my tired muscles. It felt good to escape into the warmth, even if just for a short while.
Once done, I stepped out of the tub and headed into my walk-in closet. The rows of dresses greeted me—some elegant, some casual, but all impeccably designed. My fingers grazed the fabric as I walked down the line, enjoying the feel of silk, satin, and velvet.
My hand stopped on a sleek black gown hanging gracefully on a velvet hanger.
It was perfect.
I wore it, the soft fabric hugging my figure just right. The halter neckline tied at the back, the bow trailing elegantly over my shoulder. The floor-length hem skimmed the ground, and the slit at the side was daring but not too revealing. Classic, timeless—like something Audrey Hepburn might have worn if she stepped into the 21st century.
I paired the dress with a minimalist white clutch and black stilettos, allowing the gown to speak for itself. My hair was swept into a messy bun, with soft tendrils gently framing my face. I opted for a classic glam makeup look to complement the ensemble. Lastly, I finished the look with my favorite red lipstick, tucking it into my clutch before grabbing my car keys and phone.
As I reached the top of the stairs, I heard the familiar voices of my uncles, aunts, and cousins. My heart skipped a beat.
"Oh my gosh!" I exclaimed, excitement rushing through me as I ran down the stairs.
Keith Laurent, a year older than me, turned at the sound of my voice. He wore his signature rose gold specs and a custom-made suit—he must have come straight from work. He spread his arms wide.
Without hesitation, I ran into his embrace. "I missed you, K," I said warmly.
"And I missed you too, B," he replied, ruffling my hair.
I slapped his hand away with a playful glare. "You're ruining it."
He chuckled, unaffected. "That's the whole point."
Rolling my eyes, I laughed. He had matured, grown more handsome, but his teasing remained the same.
"Aunt Meghan, Uncle Archie," I greeted, seeing them standing nearby. They were K's parents, with the twins, Atlas and Artemis, beside them.
"Hi, Ate Bea!" the twins waved at me with mischievous grins.
I smiled at them before approaching Aunt Aliyah and my second uncle, Asher Gunther. They were engaged in a discussion with Kaelith, their youngest, who was always full of energy—and trouble.
"Ate," Blaze, their older son, greeted me with a smile. I ruffled his hair, remembering how serious and mature he had always been, even as a kid.
"Kaelith," Uncle Asher sighed, "how many times have I told you to stop playing with things like that?"
Kaelith pouted. "I won't do it next time."
"Yeah, you said that last time, and then you almost blew up our garden," Uncle Asher shot back.
Aunt Aliyah murmured, "You should've seen what she was doing with those flour, sugar, and coal…"
I shook my head, amused but also concerned. Kaelith was smart but reckless, always coming up with wild ideas that only made sense to her.
I glanced around and frowned. "Where are they?" I asked, noticing my mom and grandmother were missing.
Aunt Meghan, always the one to know everything, answered quickly. "Ate Georgina and Mama went to an antique auction tonight. Older brother Archer and Papa… well, we don't know. Manang Berta said they left in a hurry, with guards."
I frowned slightly. Grandma and Mama's love for antiques wasn't surprising, but Dad and Grandpa... Was something going on? I should ask them when they returned.
Aunt Meghan continued, "Your brother is off at some cruise party with his friends."
I nodded, unsurprised.
"So, Beatrice," Keith began carefully. "How are you? Really."
I paused, gripping the armrest. "I'm… better than I thought I'd be," I admitted with a wry smile. "It's overwhelming to be back, but I've missed you all."
Aunt Aliyah reached for my hand. "We've missed you too, sweetheart. When Papa told us what you'd been through…" Her voice faltered.
"Yes," Uncle Asher added. "Papa said you were captive for three years."
Their expressions held curiosity, sympathy, restraint. They wanted to ask more but weren't sure how far they could push.
Aunt Meghan spoke softly, "What reason did the Lord have to conceal your existence from us?"
I simply smiled.
Uncle Archie shook his head. "We don't know what the Lord has in mind, and we wouldn't dare to prove or question his thoughts. Our family has served every Lord, bound to both the organization and the title since the Middle Ages. The Lord must have his reasons."
Keith, however, remained skeptical but silent.
Aunt Aliyah then changed the topic. "How's Essence doing?"
I smiled. "Keith helped Asia handle everything while I was away. I owe him more than I can say."
Keith waved dismissively. "We're family. No need for thanks."
The conversation lightened, filled with laughter and teasing.
My constant glances at my watch caught Aunt Meghan's attention. "Do you have someone special to meet tonight, Beatrice?" she teased.
Keith, leaning casually against the armrest of the couch, arched a brow. "You're having a date?" he asked, his mouth curling into a frown.
I couldn't help but smile, a touch of mystery dancing on my expression. "Maybe," I replied, letting the word hang in the air just enough to pique their curiosity. Their eyes lit up with amusement, and they exchanged knowing glances.
"Well," I said, rising to my feet, "aunts, uncles, cousins, I need to go." My gaze swept over them apologetically.
Aunt Aliyah waved her hand dismissively, her smile warm and understanding. "It's okay, darling. We still have plenty of time to catch up soon. We'll be here more often from now on. In the past, we were too busy to come home."
"Don't worry about us," Uncle Asher added, nodding toward the kitchen. "Berta's here to keep us in line."
Aunt Meghan's gaze softened as she looked at me, her voice carrying gentle encouragement mixed with a hint of teasing. "Enjoy your time. We'll be here when you get back."
I smiled, feeling lighter than I had in days, and nodded.
As I was about to leave, Keith followed me. I glanced over at him.
"You're leaving?" he asked.
"No," he replied. "I'm just walking you out."
"Oh?" I smiled.
Just as I was about to get into the Porsche, Keith called out, his voice serious. "Enjoy your date."
I glanced back over my shoulder, my lips curving into a playful smile. "Wish me luck," I said, winking at him before stepping into the car.
To be continued...