The Rocheforts' ancestral mansion was quieter than Arianne remembered.
Even with servants moving about and low murmurs of conversation reaching her ears, there was a still atmosphere that had not been there before. It had the kind of silence that made one uncomfortable and alone, even with people around.
Arianne stood by the window, watching the rain pour outside.
The twins had been settled into one of the guest rooms. Lily refused to leave her sick brother's side, insisting on being with him despite being assured by the doctor that his fever had begun to subside. Amanda wanted to insist, but Franz stopped his mother with a look.
Arianne noticed many things, but didn't voice any of them.
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, Aria," Amanda told her gently, "but thank you for helping the twins earlier. You have no idea how worried we were when we couldn't find them."
Arianne merely smiled and held the older woman's hand.
"They are Alex and Layla's children. How could I possibly ignore them, Auntie?"
Franz joined them a moment later. He gave Arianne a worried look.
"There have already been calls, Aria," he started, lowering his tone. "People are asking questions."
Her sudden reappearance at the hospital with the Rocheforts must already have spread around. Not that Arianne could stop any of it, nor did she care who asked the Rocheforts.
Her return had never been meant to be quiet and unnoticed for too long. She had only hoped it would be delayed until the funeral passed, but it seemed that hope had been misplaced.
Gilbert was the first person Arianne recognized when she arrived at the dining room with Amanda and Franz.
Gilbert let out a relieved breath and crossed the room in two quick strides.
"You look terrible, Aria," he said, pulling her into a brief embrace, surprising Arianne. The Gilbert she knew wasn't this affectionate openly, but she allowed it for now.
"You aren't faring better, Gil," she responded.
Samantha stood from her seat and immediately pulled Ariianne into a tight hug. Arianne could only blink in surprise before giving Samantha a weak pat on her back.
"Oh, Aria. I know you would come. Have you been well?" Samantha asked once she pulled away from the embrace.
"I'm well, Sam. Thank you for asking."
"I'm just glad you are back, Aria," Samantha said quietly. "It's just this isn't the kind of reunion I was expecting."
"I'm sure no one had." Arianne agreed.
Arianne caught the sudden grimness on Gilbert's face, while Franz looked at a loss, as if the death of his brother hadn't fully sunk in yet to him. The funeral hadn't given the younger Rochefort a chance to grieve over his brother.
Franz stood alone, his famous face, usually so composed and smiling on billboards and television, now looked pale and hollow.
"Alex told me he was able to convince you to come for the twins' birthday in November. I suppose this changed everything. Are you planning to stay for good?" Gilbert's question pulled Arianne from her deep thoughts.
Arianne regarded him. Gilbert was the same age as her and Alex, but there were already a few strands of gray hair on his dark mane. The stress of his workload at the Pemberton Corporation had been taking its toll on him.
"I'm staying in a hotel with Aunt Estella. I'm not staying for good. We only planned to stay for a month."
Franz's expression suddenly fell upon hearing her answer, which Samantha didn't miss, but Arianne did. He opened his mouth to say something, but was unable to utter a single word.
"Did Gio come with you?" Samantha asked, a hint of nervousness and excitement in her voice.
Arianne shook her head.
"No. Gio already had prior commitments when we learned of Alex and Layla's passing. He couldn't reschedule them at the last minute."
Samantha's face fell, and she didn't question Arianne further.
Gilbert hummed and pondered for a moment.
"If that's the case, why don't you stay in one of our private villas?" he offered, "A month is too long and enough to attract unwanted attention, especially if you're in Montclair."
"Please accept, Aria. I don't want that person to find and bully you again." Samantha insisted upon hearing her brother's suggestion. "If he thinks he could hurt you again for the second time because Alex isn't around anymore, then he's mistaken!"
Arianne arched a brow in response. It had been over five years. Although the pain of betrayal had dulled slightly, her deep-seated hatred towards Dominic remains. There are many ways to cause him trouble without exposing herself.
As if sensing what was on her mind, Gilbert considered his next words.
"There are some things Alex didn't inform you about Dominic Blackwood, Aria. Are you sure you can handle everything on your own? As your friend, I'm just looking after you."
There was something with Gilbert's tone that made Arianne narrow her eyes in suspicion. The Alex she knew would not keep grave secrets from her. What could be the reason for this concealment from her?
She remained silent. Even if Alex had truly kept secrets from her, he must have reasons. Whatever it was, she wouldn't hold it against him. She knew Alex would never betray her. If he deemed that the information wasn't relevant to share with her, it must have been something he wanted to deal with on his own.
"Thanks for the concern, Gil, but let me handle it. I'm not as helpless as you think."
Arianne gave him a slight smile. Gilbert might not be as vocal about his opinions as Alex's, but she knew he was genuinely concerned about her.
"Don't decline my suggestion yet," Gilbert insisted, "Give it some thought, Aria. You don't need to worry about the arrangements or payment for your stay. Consider it as my way of looking out for you."
"I'll keep it in mind."
Since he was kind enough to give her a warning and a clue, Arianne was certain things would reveal themselves in due time.