The warmth of dinner still lingered when the family moved to the living room. The wide space glowed under the golden lights, the polished floor reflecting the soft gleam of the chandelier. The faint crackle of the fireplace filled the pauses between laughter — a rare sound that hadn't graced the house in months.
Edmund sank into the long sofa, shoulders finally relaxing, a faint smile softening the stern lines of his face. Sean lounged beside him, one arm draped casually over the backrest, while Vivienne sat elegantly in an armchair nearby, posture flawless, her smile carefully polished. Morgana remained beside Edmund, calm as ever, though her eyes shifted subtly with thought, sharp as a blade hidden behind silk.
Ara entered last, her quiet smile lighting the room. Her movements were graceful yet lighthearted, a gentle echo of the spoiled daughter they once knew — now tempered with steady, quiet strength.
Sean caught her lingering gaze and grinned.
"What's with that look? Don't tell me you're getting emotional on us already."
Ara chuckled softly as she took her place between him and their father.
"Maybe I am. It feels… nice. Being together like this."
Edmund's gaze softened, warmth replacing his usual sternness.
"You've been unusually quiet tonight, Ara," he observed.
"I just… missed everyone," she said, voice calm but carrying a quiet sincerity that lingered in the air.
Sean raised a brow teasingly. "Wow. My sister got sentimental. Should I call Callum and announce the apocalypse?"
Ara laughed lightly. "Maybe you should."
Their laughter filled the room, making even the house itself feel alive again.
After a pause, Ara straightened. "Dad… there's something I need to ask."
Edmund's expression turned attentive. "Go ahead."
"I've been thinking about what I want to do next," she began carefully. "I graduated in finance and marketing, but… I've been idle for too long. I don't want to waste time anymore. I want to understand the family business. I want to help out."
Sean blinked, surprise flashing across his features. "You? You actually want to work at the company?"
Ara nodded, voice steady. "Yes. I want to understand how it all works. I want to be useful."
Edmund's brow furrowed. "You've never shown interest before. What changed?"
Her smile was soft but firm. "Because I realized I've been idle too long. I want to build something meaningful — for you, for Mom, for us."
The mention of her mother brought a flicker of nostalgia to Edmund's eyes. He remembered his wife's brilliance, her strength, and how Ara had once followed in those footsteps, unknowingly preparing herself for this moment.
For a moment, silence stretched — weighty and expectant.
Sean leaned forward, grin returning. "This is fantastic news. Ara can join my team. We're handling that major collaboration with Valencrest Global Enterprises — Adrian's company. You could start by observing how we work."
Ara's pulse fluttered at the mention of Adrian, but she masked it with calm. Closer to him… one step at a time.
"That would be perfect," she said lightly. "It'll help me learn faster."
Her thoughts whispered beneath the surface: And bring me closer to him…
Edmund's eyes remained thoughtful, protective. "Ara… I don't want you taking this on impulsively. The business isn't easy. It demands focus, resilience, and endurance."
Before she could respond, Morgana's smooth voice cut in, silk hiding steel.
"Your father is right, dear. Business requires strength. Ara has always been… delicate. Perhaps easing in slowly would suit her best?"
Ara's mouth twitched in silent amusement. Delicate? Reckless? You think you know me now? She knew Morgana's words carried hidden malice.
Vivienne's smile was equally elegant yet subtly undermining. "Mother only means well. You've always excelled at hosting events, Ara — corporate stress may be… different."
Ara's mind worked quickly, analyzing the unspoken intentions. They don't want me in the company. They've built this image of me as a spoiled, unreasonable princess while casting Vivienne as considerate and sensible. But I'm not the naive girl I used to be.
Despite their subtle attacks, Ara's composure never wavered.
"I understand," she said gently. "I wasn't serious before. But I've grown. I want to prove I can handle it — even if it's hard. I'm ready to learn."
Her quiet conviction filled the room. Edmund's eyes softened, pride flickering. Sean's grin widened.
"See, Dad? She's serious. I'll guide her myself. You won't regret it."
Edmund exhaled, faint smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, Ara. If this is truly what you want, I'll support you. But I expect commitment. No shortcuts."
Ara's face brightened. "I promise, Dad. Thank you."
Sean ruffled her hair affectionately. "Welcome aboard, sis. Don't worry — I'll make your training fun."
Ara swatted his hand playfully. "Don't treat me like a child."
Laughter returned naturally, full of warmth. Even Edmund chuckled quietly, heart swelling at the sight.
Morgana's smile stiffened, gaze flicking away. So she's serious… we'll see how long that lasts, she thought darkly.
Later, as the family dispersed for the night, the house fell quiet. Only the soft glow from Edmund's study remained. Papers scattered before him, glasses perched on his nose, pen scratching faintly.
Ara paused at the slightly open door, noticing his fatigue. Quietly, she slipped inside.
"Dad," she called softly.
He looked up, surprise in his eyes. "Ara? Shouldn't you be asleep?"
"I saw you still awake," she said, stepping behind him.
Before he could respond, her hands were on his shoulders, applying gentle, purposeful pressure.
"You're helping me relax?" he asked, brow raised.
"Helping you," she corrected softly. "You've worked all day. Even the company can survive one night without you."
He chuckled lightly. "You just want me to stop working."
"Maybe," she whispered, sincerity in every word. "But you've done enough today. Enough for all of us."
He fell silent, absorbing her touch and words. Her calm confidence unsettled him in the best way.
"You've really changed, Ara," he said finally, voice softer than usual.
She leaned her chin gently on his shoulder, a quiet echo of the little girl he once knew. "Maybe I just realized how lucky I am to have you."
He placed a hand over hers. "You've always been my little girl. I just want your happiness."
"I am," she whispered. "Because of you."
Edmund smiled, rare tenderness softening his features. "Go on now, before I start getting sentimental too."
Ara giggled and hugged him from behind before stepping back. "Good night, Dad. Don't stay up too long, okay?"
He nodded, watching her leave. The soft click of the door lingered in the quiet study.
For the first time in years, Edmund felt deep calm. Perhaps… the little girl he'd worried over was finally becoming someone remarkable.
As Ara walked back to her room, a small, determined smile curved her lips.
Step one is done. Now… to rebuild everything — my family's happiness, and Adrian's heart.