Later that evening, after letting the house settle, Ara made her way to her father's room.
She found him reclining in his chair by the long glass window that overlooked the garden, a cup of herbal tea in hand. The warm glow of the setting sun framed him perfectly.
"Ara…" he murmured as he heard her steps, turning toward her. "You're here."
She closed the distance and hugged him tightly. "Dad…" Her voice was soft but bright with warmth.
"When did you come home? Why didn't you tell me? I would have had the maids prepare your favorite meal," he said excitedly, the words tumbling out.
Ara laughed lightly. "What should I answer first, Dad? You're asking too many questions," she teased, sitting in a chair near him.
"I missed you so much, I just had to come," she added, squeezing his hand.
Her father's eyes softened, filled with affection and pride. "I missed you too, Ara. Too long, far too long."
He smiled warmly, then continued, "So tell me, how are you doing? How is your recovery going? Is Adrian treating you well?"
Ara let out a playful sigh, hiding a small smile. He was asking three questions at once again — but she couldn't blame him; it was just his way of showing care.
"I'm fine," she said, raising a finger. "I'm recovering very well," she added, raising a second finger. "And Adrian is treating me so well." She held up three fingers triumphantly. "There — I've answered all three of your questions."
Her father chuckled, shaking his head. "You always know how to make a simple thing into a little performance," he said, amusement in his voice.
Ara grinned, leaning back slightly. "Well, someone has to keep you entertained, Dad."
For a moment, the mansion felt warm and alive — a reminder of the family who had always spoiled her, protected her, and shaped her into the sharp, confident woman she had become.
Ara chatted with her father for a long while, their conversation flowing effortlessly from one topic to another. Soon, the soft glow of the evening reminded them it was time for dinner.
Hand in hand, they walked toward the dining room, still laughing and teasing along the way. Ara pointed out small details in the hallway, her fingers brushing over familiar paintings and furniture, while her father responded with playful quips, his voice warm and full of affection.
Their laughter echoed through the halls, mingling with the soft clink of cutlery being set and the faint aroma of dinner. Each shared joke, each teasing remark, made the mansion feel alive, wrapping the house in a bubble of warmth and happiness. For the first time in days, the Everhart home felt less like a grand, cold estate and more like a haven of family love — full of light, life, and the quiet magic of belonging.
As Ara and her father descended the staircase, the sound of laughter and the soft click of her heels filled the grand hallway.
Sean's surprised voice broke through the air, and before she could react, her older brother had wrapped her in a tight, warm embrace.
"You're home," he said, his voice low with a smile she couldn't see but could hear.
Ara chuckled softly, patting his back. "You sound like I've been gone for years."
He pulled away, his gaze sweeping over her. "You didn't tell anyone you were coming."
"I wanted to surprise you," she said, the corners of her lips curling upward.
Behind them, her father's deep, composed voice echoed gently. "Sean."
Sean straightened almost instantly, instinctively falling into the posture of respect that years of discipline had etched into him.
"Father," he greeted.
Edmund gave him a curt nod before turning toward Ara, his gaze softening just slightly. "Come. Dinner is ready."
Ara nodded, her steps light as she followed her father and brother into the dining hall.
The table, long and polished, shimmered under the soft chandelier light. Silverware gleamed beside porcelain plates, and the faint scent of roasted duck and spices filled the air.
Vivienne was already seated, her golden hair catching the light as she rose in surprise.
"Ara?" she exclaimed, blinking before her lips curved into a practiced, elegant smile. "You're home. I had no idea."
Ara offered her a polite nod. "I decided last minute."
Vivienne's gaze swept over her, concern laced carefully with grace. "You look a bit pale. Are you feeling better now?"
"I'm fine," Ara replied simply.
"That's good," Vivienne said smoothly, returning to her seat. "We were all so worried."
Ara hummed noncommittally, taking her seat beside her father. The tension beneath Vivienne's polished tone didn't go unnoticed, but Ara chose not to respond.
Dinner began in quiet grace.
The clinking of cutlery against plates was the only sound that filled the room. The air felt still, yet somehow tender.
Edmund cut the duck himself, serving Ara first before placing portions onto his own plate. He didn't speak, but his every movement was measured — precise, deliberate, and filled with a quiet sort of affection.
Sean, seated across, reached for the bowl of vegetables and spooned an extra serving onto Ara's plate. "Eat more," he murmured, almost under his breath.
Ara looked at him, a faint frown forming. "I can serve myself," she said softly.
Her father's calm voice cut through the air, steady and unyielding. "You'll eat what's given to you."
He didn't raise his head, didn't need to. His tone alone carried the authority of years.
Ara exhaled, but she didn't argue. She knew better than to.
Sean only smirked, quietly satisfied that she hadn't protested further.
And so they ate — in silence, in peace.
No words were exchanged, but the care was unmistakable.
The way her father poured her water before his own, the way Sean made sure her plate was never empty — it was all love, wrapped in quiet gestures, spoken in a language of family only they understood.
Across the table, Vivienne watched the scene with an almost imperceptible shift in her expression. Her smile never faltered, but the warmth in her eyes dimmed ever so slightly. She traced the rim of her glass, the faintest flicker of something unreadable passAs Ara and her father descended the staircase, the sound of laughter and the soft click of her heels filled the grand hallway.
Sean's surprised voice broke through the air, and before she could react, her older brother had wrapped her in a tight, warm embrace.