Van didn’t realize how loud the city was until he returned. Not just the noise of cars and sidewalks and phones ringing off the hook, but the pulse of it — impatient, relentless, indifferent.He stood in the lobby of his company’s headquarters, the polished black marble floors reflecting his shoes as if the building itself were examining him. Two security guards nodded respectfully as he entered the private elevator. He nodded back, barely registering their faces.On the ride up, he skimmed through the backlog of messages. Most were routine. A few from his assistant about rescheduling client meetings, one from the finance department with a subject line that read: LEGAL ACTION: INTERNAL ALERT. He tapped it open and scanned.__> A man named Benedict Arlow has filed a lawsuit against our firm. He claims that during your absence, he was fraudulently led into an investment deal under your company’s banner, resulting in significant losses. He is seeking full compensation and punitive damag

Macy was waiting in the executive lounge when Van arrived at the office the next morning. She stood by the window, sipping coffee and scrolling through her phone, wearing a tailored lavender blazer over a silk blouse.He stepped in quietly. “Hey, what're you doing here?”She turned, smiling. “Good morning to you too, little brother.”“You’re dressed too well for an ambush,” he said, smirking. “What’s going on?”She set her coffee down on the counter and walked over, placing a hand dramatically over her heart. “Can’t a woman visit her brother just to brighten his stressful corporate morning?”He raised an eyebrow. “Macy.”She laughed. “Fine, fine. I do have news. Big news. I’m getting married.”Van blinked. “You’re what?”“Married. As in the dress, the flowers, the whole thing.”“To who?”“You’ve met him— Julian. From the charity board.”Van rubbed his temple. “I didn’t know it was that serious.”Macy shrugged. “We’ve kept it quiet, but it’s been serious for a while. We just didn’t wan

It was a sunny afternoon in the village, the kind that made the hills glow like golden fabric stretched under a pale blue sky. Ivy stood at the kitchen sink, her hands deep in sudsy water, while the laughter of her children drifted in from the garden. The twins were playing near the hedgerow, chasing bubbles and each other, their little feet kicking up petals as they darted through the yard.For the first time in a long time, Ivy had allowed herself to relax— at least a little. Van had called from the city that morning. His voice was tired, but steady. The lawsuit was still hanging over him, but he said things might be looking up. “A few strange offers have landed on my desk,” he’d said, in a tone that wasn’t quite joking. “I’ll tell you more when I can.”She hadn’t pressed. He’d sounded far away, like a man with too much noise around him to hear himself think. But he’d also promised to visit soon. That gave her something to hold onto.She wiped her hands and stepped out into the sun,

The morning sunlight filtered gently through the gauzy curtains of the old cottage, casting a golden hue on the wooden floors. Ivy stood by the window, a steaming mug of tea in her hands, her eyes scanning the horizon where the village rooftops sloped against a backdrop of misty hills. Birds chirped softly, and from the kitchen came the faint clinking of dishes as the twins helped set up breakfast. It was peaceful. Almost too peaceful.Since Van left for the city, the house had grown quieter. Not in a lonely or painful way, but in that subtle, watchful quiet that made Ivy's skin prickle. Lila had been coming around more often, always with some excuse — a pie she baked, a new storybook for the twins, or a fresh bouquet of handpicked flowers. At first, Ivy had welcomed the visits. The village was small, and new friendships were precious.But something about Lila’s presence had begun to change. It was in the way she lingered just a second too long when she hugged the twins. The way her v

The wedding reception unfolded in a grand hall adorned with golden chandeliers and soft, twinkling fairy lights. Every corner sparkled with elegance, from the cascading ivory floral arrangements to the flickering candles that lined the long tables. A gentle waltz played as guests mingled, laughed, and toasted to Macy and her new husband, Julian.Van’s family had taken up a long table near the front of the hall, close to the dance floor. Ivy sat between Van and the twins, who looked angelic in their mini formal wear. Ivy had changed into a flowing lavender gown with delicate beading at the shoulders, while Van wore a crisp, dark suit with a matching tie. He looked calm and content for the first time in a while, basking in the warmth of being surrounded by loved ones.Lila, radiant in a champagne-colored dress with lace sleeves, floated around the room with the ease of someone who had always belonged. She spoke to guests, helped Ivy settle the twins, and even danced once with Van’s brot