The warmth of home enveloped me as I sat in the living room, a steaming cup of tea in my hands. My mother and Owen had been away for the past minutes since I arrived, and I missed them terribly. When I heard the sound of their car pulling into the driveway, I couldn’t help but smile.
The front door opened, and my mom’s voice rang out, full of joy. “Aria, we’re home!”
“Mom!” I called, setting my tea down and rushing to greet her and Owen.
They both looked radiant, happiness shining in their eyes as they embraced me tightly. “How have you been, darling?” Mom asked, brushing my hair from my face. “And how’s Magnus?”
Before I could respond, the door opened again, and Magnus walked in, his towering frame commanding the room. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, but I forced myself to stay composed.
“Magnus!” Mom exclaimed, her face lighting up.
“Good evening, Mrs. Winters,” Magnus greeted with a polite smile, stepping forward to shake her hand and giving Owen a firm nod.
I couldn’t stop myself from smiling brightly. No matter the act we had to put on for the sake of our plans, being near him brought me a sense of peace.