This chapter is dedicated to Kei_Hofer
The private jet soared through the clouds, a seamless journey that felt surreal to Gia. She had never experienced such luxury before. Plush leather seats, soft ambient lighting, and attentive flight attendants made the flight feel like a dream. Adrian had spent most of the flight reading and occasionally stealing glances at Gia, who was brimming with excitement earlier.
Now, as the plane began its descent, Adrian looked over at her. She had fallen asleep, her head tilted against the seat and her soft breaths barely audible. A small smile played on his lips as he thought, Guess she wore herself out with excitement.
The attendant nodded, and Adrian returned to his thoughts. He knew what awaited him at home—his family, their expectations, and the unspoken tension that always lingered between them.
When the plane landed smoothly on the private airstrip, Adrian carefully stepped off the jet, leaving Gia to sleep.He leaned forward and quietly signaled one of the flight attendants. "Let me know when she wakes up." he whispered.
The attendant nodded, and Adrian returned to his thoughts. He knew what awaited him at home—his family, their expectations, and the unspoken tension that always lingered between them.
The mansion came into view as the car pulled into the long, winding driveway. Adrian stepped out, adjusting his jacket. The estate was as grand as ever—a sprawling structure of white stone, with tall pillars, massive arched windows, and intricately designed wrought-iron gates that welcomed him home. The landscaping was immaculate, with fountains flanking the main entrance and rose bushes lining the cobblestone path.
Standing at the entrance was his family, all except one. His mother, a poised and elegant woman with a warm smile, walked toward him. Her dark hair was pulled into a sleek bun, and her emerald-green dress swayed gently as she moved.
"Adrian," she said, her voice filled with genuine affection. She placed a kiss on his cheek and cupped his face with her hands. "So happy you're back home."
Adrian smiled faintly. "It's good to see you too, Mom."
"I asked the maids to prepare your favorite," she added with a knowing grin.
Before he could respond, his sister appeared, practically throwing herself into his arms. "Welcome home, big brother!" she exclaimed, her excitement palpable.
Adrian hugged her tightly. "Hey, Elena. Still as energetic as ever, I see."
Elena laughed, tugging at his arm. "Come inside! You have so much to catch up on."
Behind Elena, his two older brothers stood, their expressions unreadable. The eldest, Dominic, nodded curtly. "Welcome home," he said flatly, his tone devoid of warmth.
Stefano, the second son, mirrored the sentiment. "Yeah, welcome back," he said, his voice equally stoic.
Adrian suppressed a sigh. It was always the same with them—formal, distant, and reserved. "Thanks, guys," he replied evenly, not expecting more.
Elena tugged at his hand again. "Come on, Adrian. Let's go inside. You're going to love what Mom's cooked up for you!"
The maids quickly descended upon his luggage, carrying everything inside as the family followed.
The interior of the mansion was as opulent as Adrian remembered. The grand foyer was bathed in the warm glow of a massive crystal chandelier that hung from the high ceiling. Marble floors gleamed beneath their feet, and an intricate spiral staircase with ornate railings wound its way upward. Portraits of family members adorned the walls, each frame gilded in gold.
The living room, visible from the foyer, boasted luxurious velvet sofas, a grand piano in the corner, and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the sprawling gardens. Everything about the house screamed wealth and power.
Adrian took a moment to take it all in. It had been a year since he'd walked through these halls, and though it was all familiar, it felt different now.
"Where's Father, by the way?" Adrian asked, glancing around.
His mother, who had paused to give instructions to one of the maids, turned back to him. "He's handling some matters at the warehouse," she said casually. "You'll see him later. Why don't you go freshen up? You must have had a long flight."
Adrian nodded. "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. Thanks, Mom."
"Dinner will be ready when you're done," she added, giving him a gentle smile before disappearing into the dining room with Elena.
Adrian turned to one of the maids, who gestured toward the staircase. He followed her up to his old room, his thoughts swirling.