“Oh, my sweetheart, you’ve finally come home,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.
My father, ever stern, simply said, “Let’s have lunch and discuss everything.”
Despite my initial apprehension, the discussion went smoother than I expected.
As Tobias had predicted, my parents were thrilled. They immediately began planning to take me to a banquet to introduce me formally to the other businesses family and of course the Livingston family.
By the time lunch ended, I was exhausted from the endless conversations about arrangements, expectations, and schedules.
I retreated to my old bedroom. It was still untouched since I left, so its princess-like decor feeling strangely foreign at that moment.
It was not long before my phone rang. Seeing Lewis’ name on the screen, I hesitated before answering.
“Have you come home?” he asked.
“Hm.”
“I’m sorry, Grace,” he began. “I planned to come back for you right after taking Katrina home, but her stomach started acting up, so….”
Before he could finish, a waitress’ voice came through the background. “Sir, your dishes are all served. Please enjoy your meal!”
Though Lewis quickly muffled the receiver, it was too late, I had already heard everything.