Genesis's heart pounded harder the closer they got to the Estate. And when the tall iron gates came into view from where she sat perched on Knight's lap, she bolted upright. Knight, who had been absorbed in his phone, glanced up at her instead, a small smirk tugging at his full lips.
"You're so excited," he murmured.
She didn't even look at him, her head turning restlessly as her eyes devoured every glimpse of the mansion.
Knight chuckled low, his hand sliding up to cradle her neck, his nose brushing against her skin. "I'm getting jealous again."
At that, Genesis turned, his palm pressing against her pulse point where her heartbeat thundered beneath his touch.
He lifted his head, their faces so close the air between them crackled. "You didn't look this excited when I came to see you."
Genesis arched a brow, amused, lips twitching. Before she could tell him how ridiculous he sounded, the car slowed to a stop. She immediately scrambled off his lap, startling him, and moved toward the door just as it swung open.
The double doors of the house pulled wide, and a small frame suddenly darted forward.
"Uncle Kier!" Daisy squealed—but the moment her gaze landed on Genesis, she froze, eyes widening.
"Lily…" she whispered.
Tears burned Genesis's eyes as she smiled, her arms instinctively opening. "Daisy…"
Genesis's throat tightened. She rasped Daisy's name again, raw but audible.
Daisy's eyes went impossibly wide, her hands flying to her mouth. She stood frozen for a breathless second, then tore down the steps. Genesis dropped to her knees, arms outstretched, and Daisy crashed into her chest with a sob.
They clung to each other, both crying, the sound muffled against each other's necks.
"I missed you, Lily. I missed you. Where did you go?" Daisy's small arms wrapped fiercely around her, trembling as if afraid to let go.
Genesis pressed her face into Daisy's soft neck, inhaling her baby-sweet scent, her tears soaking into Daisy's hair. She had missed this—missed her.
When Daisy finally pulled back, her little face wet and shining, her voice was a whisper of wonder. "Lily… did you just speak?"
Genesis smiled through her tears. "Daisy," she said again, her voice raspy, broken but real.
Daisy gasped, spinning toward Knight, who stood nearby, phone still in his hand but eyes locked firmly on them. "Y-you can talk?"
Genesis nodded slowly. "I… got… my voice back," she said haltingly, still unused to the feel of words on her tongue.
Daisy's tiny hands cupped Genesis's throat like something fragile. "How? Is that why you were gone so long? Did Uncle Kier take you somewhere to fix it?"
Genesis giggled softly, the husky sound startling Daisy into stillness. Her little fingers pressed more reverently at her throat.
"Your voice is so nice," Daisy whispered, awestruck. "You sound… so pretty."
Genesis's lips trembled. "I… missed you… so much."
Daisy hugged her again, body shaking. "I thought maybe you'd never come back. Or… or Uncle Kier took you far away because he didn't like you anymore. But you came back."
Genesis brushed Daisy's hair back, her own tears spilling fresh. "Not… fixed," she whispered. "I just… found it again."
Before Daisy could ask more, Knight's deep voice broke the spell. Calm. Grounding. But edged with command.
"Let's go inside," he said, stepping closer. "We're not standing out here all night."
Daisy sniffled, nodding, but her hand refused to leave Genesis's as they rose. She glanced up at the mansion, her voice small. "It's been weird here without you. Too quiet. You even missed my birthday. You didn't call me. Not even once."
Guilt pierced Genesis's chest. She cupped Daisy's cheek gently. "I'm… sorry." Her voice cracked. "I'll… get you a present."
Daisy's face brightened despite herself. "I'm eight now," she declared proudly, chin lifted. "I'm mature."
Knight's lips curved into a slow smirk. "Eight, hmm? Mature already? Guess I should start treating you like a little boss."
Daisy's eyes sparkled. "Really?"
Knight chuckled. "No. You're still my little brat."
"Uncle Kier!" she pouted, stomping her foot.
Genesis laughed softly, the sound raw but beautiful, and Daisy's pout dissolved instantly into a grin.
Daisy grabbed Genesis's hand tighter. "Come on, Lily. Let's go inside before he says more mean things."
Knight smirked, brushing his hand lightly against Genesis's back as he guided them toward the open doors. His gaze lingered between the two most important people in his world.
And for the first time in a long time… home felt exactly like it should.
Inside, Daisy's chatter filled the halls, and Genesis didn't mind one bit. Her voice was so bright it drew Cady and the others from the kitchen.
Eliana stepped forward, eyes going wide. "Genesis…"
Genesis's breath hitched, and she rushed forward, smiling through fresh tears. "Mrs. Eliana," she rasped, the name trembling off her tongue.
Eliana froze, eyes widening at the sound of her voice—then her expression melted into pure joy as she pulled Genesis into a fierce embrace.
And before Genesis could get a word out, a voice she had almost forgotten sliced through the haze.
"So, the mute wife can finally talk."
Amelia's condescending tone slithered into the room, souring the air and shattering the moment.