Aurora stepped off the plane, her heels clicked softly against the smooth pavement of the private terminal.
The air was thick with the scent of rain-soaked concrete, the city welcoming her back with its familiar yet cruel embrace.
Beside her, Seraphina gripped her hand, eyes darting around with the wide-eyed curiosity of a child experiencing something new.
Liam walked a step behind them. He wouldn't be going any further with them. They'll have to path ways here.
A sleek white car waited just outside, the driver already standing by, ready to take them to their next destination.
Liam exhaled and turned to Aurora. "Are you sure about this?"
Aurora met his gaze, with a soft smile. "If I wait to be sure, I'll never be sure."
Liam studied her for a moment before nodding. "Alright. But call me if anything—"
"I will."
He hesitated, then crouched slightly to Seraphina's level. "Be good, kiddo."
Seraphina gave him a playful salute. "Always."
Liam smirked before ruffling her curls and stepping back. "See you both soon."
With that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Aurora and Seraphina to step into the waiting car.
The drive to Edward's house was smooth, the city blurring past the windows. Aurora's fingers tightened slightly on her daughter's hand.
"Mommy?" Seraphina's voice was soft but curious. "Are we staying here for long?"
Aurora glanced at her, debating for a moment how much to say. "Longer than we planned."
Seraphina's brows knitted together. "Does that mean… a new school?" She didn't sound so pleased.
Aurora nodded slowly, watching her daughter's reaction.
For a moment, Seraphina was quiet. Then, she tilted her head. "Will the kids be nice?"
Aurora's heart clenched at the innocence of the question. "You'll make friends. Just like always."
Seraphina considered that before nodding. "Okay."
The car pulled into Edward's driveway, and before Aurora could even open the door, Seraphina had unbuckled her seatbelt.
The moment she stepped out, her face lit up.
"Grandpa!"
Edward Carter stood at the front door, a rare warmth in his tired eyes as Seraphina ran straight into his arms.
Aurora watched them, with a wide smile across her lips. Her heart softened.
Edward Carter wasn't a man who showed affection easily. His presence alone controlled fear, and his sharp gaze often left little room for warmth. But as soon as Seraphina barreled into his arms, the hardness in his expression melted.
He caught her with surprising ease, lifting her slightly as she giggled. "You're getting heavier," he mused, his voice rough with fondness.
Seraphina grinned, staring up at him. "I've been eating my vegetables, Grandpa."
Edward chuckled, the sound rare and genuine. "Good. Someone in this family has sense."
Aurora, still standing by the car, exhaled softly. She watched the way Seraphina nestled comfortably in Edward's arms, and how he held her with such quiet protectiveness.
This bond between them—it was one of the few things she didn't regret.
"Come inside," Edward said, his sharp eyes flicking to Aurora. "I assume you're staying?"
Aurora stepped forward, smoothing her coat. "For now."
Edward didn't press further, but there was something knowing in his gaze as he led them into the house.
Aurora inwardly prayed for Catherine not to be around. She even forgot to ask.
The warmth of the Carter estate wrapped around them, its familiarity both comforting and suffocating. Nothing had changed—the grand staircase, the rich mahogany furniture, the faint scent of Edward's cigar lingering in the air.
Seraphina wiggled out of Edward's arms and ran ahead, already knowing the way to the sitting room after spotting. She plopped onto the couch like she belonged there.
Aurora set her bag down and took a slow breath.
Edward studied her carefully. "Liam let you go easily."
Aurora gave him a tired look. "Liam's not my keeper."
Edward smirked faintly but didn't push. Instead, he moved toward the bar cart, pouring himself a drink. "And Tim?"
Aurora's jaw tightened. "He doesn't know I'm here yet."
Edward hummed as he swirled the amber liquid in his glass. "He will soon."
Aurora knew that. She just wasn't ready for it.
Seraphina's voice chimed in from the couch before she could respond. "Grandpa, did Mommy tell you? We're staying in the city for a little longer!"
Edward raised a brow at Aurora, waiting for confirmation.
Aurora sighed and took a seat beside her daughter. "Yes. We'll be here for a while, not just your house."
Seraphina clapped her hands. "She also said I'll go to a new school. That's how long we'll stay."
Aurora hesitated, glancing at Edward. His gaze said a lot, but he remained silent.
"Yes," Aurora finally said, brushing a curl from Seraphina's face. "We'll find a good school for you."
Seraphina beamed. "I hope they have a big library!"
Edward chuckled. "She's got taste."
Aurora smiled faintly, but inside, her nerves coiled tight.
She knew that staying longer meant more than just settling Seraphina into a school.
It meant facing Tim.
Seraphina swung her legs back and forth as she sat comfortably on the couch, her bright eyes flicking between Aurora and Edward. The warmth of the Carter estate had already settled into her bones, making her feel at home.
"Mommy," she said suddenly, tilting her head. "Can we live here with Grandpa?"
Aurora froze.
Edward, mid-sip of his drink, arched a brow but said nothing, waiting for her answer.
Aurora forced a smile, keeping her voice gentle. "Sweetheart, we have our own place."
"But this house is big," Seraphina reasoned, throwing her arms wide. "And Grandpa is here! We could have breakfast together every day."
Aurora's chest tightened. She knew how much Seraphina adored Edward, and truthfully, Aurora was grateful for their bond. But moving in? That was not an option.
She reached for her daughter's hand, squeezing lightly. "I know you'd love that, but we're staying at our own place, baby."
Seraphina pouted slightly, looking up at Edward for support. "Grandpa, don't you want us to stay?"
Edward, to Aurora's dismay, smirked faintly. "You know, little one, I wouldn't mind the company."
Aurora shot him a sharp look.
He only shrugged, taking another sip of his drink.
Aurora sighed and turned back to Seraphina. "We can't live here, but I promise—we'll visit every day. You'll see Grandpa all the time."
Seraphina studied her for a moment before sighing dramatically. "Every day?"
"Every single day," Aurora confirmed.
That seemed to satisfy her, and she brightened again. "Okay! But can I have my own room here for when I visit?"
Edward chuckled. "That, I can arrange."
Aurora rolled her eyes. "You're spoiling her."
Edward simply smirked. "Someone has to."
Edward watched Aurora carefully, his fingers tapping lightly against the rim of his glass. The softness in the room shifted.
"You should know," he said, his voice measured, "your stepfather and Anne have taken full control of your parents' company."
Aurora didn't flinch.
Her expression didn't shift.
She merely exhaled, slow and deliberate, before meeting Edward's gaze with a cold, detached calmness
"Of course they have," she said.
There was no shock. No anger. Just a quiet, lethal understanding.
Edward studied her for a long moment. "That doesn't bother you?"
Aurora tilted her head, lips curling into a humorless smile. "Did you expect me to be surprised?"
Edward said nothing.
Aurora leaned back against the couch, crossing one leg over the other with practiced elegance. "Let them have their moment." Her voice was smooth, almost lazy. "It won't last."
Edward's smirk was approving. "You've changed."
Aurora met his gaze, unblinking. "Not enough."
Edward went silent. He blinked in surprise.
"Please Grandpa, can I have cookies?" Seraphina's voice broke through the cold silence.