The car rolled through the massive wrought-iron gates, gliding into the kind of mansion that looked like it had stepped right out of a magazine. For Jason, the sight was familiar—he'd been here before. But for Sophie, it was a miracle in stone and glass.
Her eyes widened the moment they entered the long driveway lined with trimmed hedges and fountains that sprayed crystal water into the air. "Jason…" she whispered, pressing her face against the window. "Is this really her house?"
Jason gave a small nod, keeping his calm. "Yeah. Try not to sound too shocked when we get down."
"Too shocked?" she muttered under her breath, "I'm trying not to faint!"
The white marble of the mansion reflected the sunlight, glowing faintly. The car slowed down as they neared the grand stairs, flanked by two statues of lions. Sophie couldn't help herself. "Oh my God… Jason, look at that! And those windows! They're taller than our entire apartment building!"
Jason sighed and gave her a patient look. "Soph… behave yourself when we step down, alright?"
She straightened her dress and gave a serious nod, trying to act composed. "I'll try… but if I scream, it's your fault."
Jason chuckled quietly, shaking his head. "You're unbelievable."
The car came to a stop at the foot of the stairs. Waiting for them was Elena—elegant as ever, her soft beige gown fluttering lightly in the wind. She smiled brightly the moment she saw them.
Jason stepped out first, followed by Sophie, who froze the second her eyes met Elena's. For a heartbeat, both girls just stared—and then, in perfect unison, they shrieked and ran toward each other.
"Elena!"
"Sophie!"
The two embraced tightly, spinning in excitement. Their laughter echoed across the courtyard.
Jason stood beside the car, amused. The two guards at the entrance gave him a subtle nod of acknowledgment. They remembered him—the "mechanic"—but this time, things were different. The man standing before them wasn't in oil-stained coveralls; he wore a dark suit, neat and fitted. Respect came naturally now.
He adjusted his cufflinks and cleared his throat softly. "Ahem."
Neither of them heard him.
Elena pulled back from Sophie, grinning ear to ear. "You're even prettier in person! Jason didn't tell me you were this adorable."
Sophie's cheeks flushed pink. "You think so? You're like… stunning!"
Jason coughed again—louder this time.
Both girls turned at once.
"Oh, Jason!" Elena exclaimed, pretending to be surprised. She walked over gracefully and leaned up to kiss him on the cheek. "You look incredible. That suit—wow."
Jason smiled faintly. "Glad you like it."
"I don't just like it," she said softly, brushing invisible lint from his lapel. "You look… different. More confident."
Sophie grinned slyly. "He looks like someone who just remembered how to be a man again."
Jason gave her a mock glare. "Sophie…"
"What?" she said innocently, blinking.
Elena laughed, linking her arm through his. "Let's go inside before your sister roasts you in front of my entire staff."
They walked through the tall double doors, and Sophie's jaw nearly hit the floor. The chandelier hanging from the ceiling glittered like starlight. Marble floors stretched endlessly, and portraits lined the golden walls.
"Elena…" Sophie whispered, awestruck. "You actually live here?"
Elena smiled proudly. "Born and raised. My dad loves big spaces. It's like a museum sometimes."
"It's like five museums," Sophie corrected, spinning around slowly. "Jason, are you seeing this?"
"I am," he said calmly, slipping his hands into his pockets.
Inside, the air smelled of roses and expensive polish. A line of servants stood by the wall, bowing slightly as they entered. Sophie felt like royalty, and Jason noticed her trying to walk more elegantly—chin up, steps measured. He bit back a smile.
"You don't have to pretend, Soph," he murmured.
"Pretend?" she whispered back, glancing up at him. "This is how I walk now. Mansion mode."
Elena giggled overhearing that. "I like her already. Come, the dining room's ready."
They moved toward a long oak table that could have seated twenty people. The table glowed beneath the chandelier's reflection, covered in elegant dishes—pastas, roasted meats, bowls of exotic fruit, and desserts that looked like art. Sophie's eyes sparkled instantly.
"Whoa…" she breathed, sliding into her seat. "This is… heaven."
Elena laughed. "You haven't even tasted anything yet!"
"Doesn't matter," Sophie said. "Food is my love language."
Jason sat beside her, shaking his head in amusement. "You'll eat too fast if you keep talking like that."
"I'll eat politely," she corrected, pretending to hold her fork with exaggerated grace. "See? Classy."
Elena smiled warmly. "You two are adorable. I can't remember the last time I had such real company here."
The waiter approached, pouring them water and arranging napkins with silent precision. Once he left, the room filled with a lively warmth. Sophie's excitement was contagious, and Elena matched her energy effortlessly. They began chatting about everything—movies, food, school, travel—laughing so freely it was as if they had known each other for years.
At one point, Sophie leaned forward eagerly. "So, Elena, did you really go to Harvard? Jason told me!"
Elena nodded with a smile. "I did. It was a lot of studying and a lot of coffee. You'd survive there easily, Sophie. You've got the energy."
Sophie gasped dramatically. "You think so? You'd help me if I applied?"
Elena laughed softly. "Of course I would."
Jason listened quietly, content just watching the two of them connect. He didn't speak much—just ate in silence, occasionally smiling when they laughed too loud or when Sophie threw him a teasing glance.
It was rare for him to feel this peaceful. No fights. No stress. Just warmth.
Sophie was still chattering excitedly. "You know, Elena, Jason used to fix people's cars under a tree. Like a real street guy. But now—look at him!"
Jason gave her a sideways glance. "Sophie…"
She quickly added, "I mean—now he looks like a boss!"
Elena giggled, her eyes glimmering. "He's definitely changed since I first met him."
Jason cleared his throat, looking away. "Let's… just eat."
They all laughed again.
By the time dessert was served, Sophie had charmed everyone in the house. Even one of the chefs peeked out from the kitchen, smiling at her enthusiasm.
Elena leaned on her elbow, watching Jason's sister with affection. "She's amazing. I can't believe she's only—how old is she?"
"Twelve," Jason replied softly.
Elena smiled. "She has your fire."
Sophie beamed proudly. "He got his from me."
Jason smirked. "Pretty sure it's the other way around."
For a few moments, silence fell—the good kind. The air was filled with satisfaction, laughter, and something deeper.
Sophie leaned back in her chair, sighing happily. "Elena… thank you for today. I don't even know how to explain how happy I am."
Elena smiled warmly. "You don't have to. Seeing you smile is enough."
Jason's eyes softened as he watched the two of them. Something about this scene—the laughter, the comfort—felt like the kind of peace he had been chasing all his life.
The system flickered faintly in his vision.
[Emotional Bond Detected: Jason → Elena + Sophie | Stability Increased]
[Progression: 42% | Task Influence Positive]
He exhaled quietly. For once, things were falling into place.
Elena noticed him lost in thought. "Jason?"
He blinked, snapping back. "Hmm?"
"You okay?" she asked softly.
He nodded, a faint smile curving his lips. "Yeah… I'm more than okay."
Sophie grinned mischievously. "He's just thinking about dessert round two."
Jason sighed. "Sophie…"
Elena laughed again, and Sophie joined in. The sound of their laughter filled the massive dining hall—a sound pure enough to make even the marble walls feel alive.
And in that moment, Jason realized—this wasn't just a dinner. It was the beginning of something bigger.
Something worth protecting.