The days drifted by in a quiet haze, with each passing one bringing Sophie and William closer to Elysia.
What started as visits to check on her recovery quickly evolved into deeper moments of connection.
William and Sophie found themselves visiting the hospital more frequently, spending hours talking to her ,and offering comfort. The bond between them was undeniable, and with each conversation, they felt themselves growing more attached.
For Elysia, the feeling was mutual. A strange yet undeniable connection tugged at her heart whenever she was near them—a feeling as though they truly were her parents, and something about it felt deeply familiar.
Something about Elysia felt like a missing piece William and Sophie never knew was absent, filling an emptiness they hadn't even realized was there.
Yet, with every passing day, the question of her identity grew heavier. No one was looking for her, and no answers were coming.
The DNA test had ruled out any biological connection to William, but the longing in her eyes when she'd called him "father" haunted him. Was it possible that fate truly brought her to them?
It was a question that gnawed at them both, one they could no longer ignore.
After much deliberation, William and Sophie decided it was time to bring the matter to their son, Benjamin. The decision wasn't easy, but they knew that as a family, they would need his support to move forward.
That evening, after a quiet dinner in the mansion's dining room, William cleared his throat and turned to Benjamin, who sat across from them, his usual calm demeanor masking the curiosity he had been holding back for weeks.
It hadn't escaped Benjamin notice that his parents had been spending an unusual amount of time at the hospital. He had heard whispers about the DNA test and the way his parents had grown increasingly attached to Elysia.
He had already put the pieces together.
"Benjamin," William began, his voice steady but tinged with the weight of the moment, "your mother and I have been discussing something important. We've come to a decision."
Benjamin raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued, though his face remained calm.
"We're thinking of adopting Elysia," Sophie added, her voice soft but filled with resolve. "She... she feels like family, Ben. And we can't ignore that any longer."
Benjamin didn't flinch. In fact, the idea seemed to settle into him naturally, as if he had been waiting for it.
He had seen how much his parents cared for the young woman—how much they had longed for a daughter, even though they would never speak it aloud. He knew that the bond they were forming with Elysia was something more than just an act of charity or compassion.
"Father, if you and Mother have decided this, I'm okay with it," Benjamin said with a small smile. "In fact, I'd be more than happy to have a sister. Our family would finally be complete."
Sophie's eyes welled up with grateful tears as she looked at her son, her heart swelling with emotion. William reached across the table to give her hand a gentle squeeze, his heart lightened by the warmth of his son's words.
The next morning, the papers were signed, and the decision was final. Elysia would become the daughter of William Blake and Sophie Blake, and Benjamin would finally have the sister he'd always unknowingly longed for.
When the news was delivered to Elysia, she could hardly believe it. The joy that filled her heart was overwhelming. A part of her still felt disconnected from the world around her, but now, she had a family. A real family.
Later that day, after her discharge from the hospital, Elysia walked through the doors of the Blake mansion for the first time as a true member of the family.
As her steps echoed softly through the hall, she took in the unfamiliar yet welcoming atmosphere.
Her gaze landed on a man seated on the sofa—Benjamin. His attention was fixed on a stack of documents before him.
Benjamin was not alone. Gathered in the room were other members of the Blake family, each one's curious gaze speaking volumes.
William's older brother, Edward Blake, sat across from Benjamin on the sofa. Beside Edward, his son, Alex Blake, lounged with a casual posture, though his usual nonchalance showed hints of curiosity and apprehension. Next to Alex sat his wife, Arina Blake, whose polite smile barely concealed her own curiosity.
The family had gathered upon hearing the unexpected news: William had adopted a daughter. The decision had both surprised them and piqued their eagerness to meet the new addition to their family.
As Elysia entered the room, a quiet stillness settled over the group.
Benjamin finally looked up, his expression unreadable, though something in his gaze silently acknowledged her presence. He seemed surprised by her enchanting green eyes.
Elysia's heart skipped a beat when she saw his face. Brother...?
Memories surged through her mind—a vivid flashback to her past where her brother had defended her, only to be tragically killed.
She remembered the way they'd bantered, their playful arguments, and the unbreakable bond they shared. He was the one she had been closest to.
Without hesitation, Elysia rushed forward, wrapping her arms tightly around him.
"Brother," she whispered, her voice trembling as tears filled her eyes.
Benjamin froze, caught off guard by the unexpected embrace.
He typically avoided physical closeness, especially with strangers, but this felt… different. There was an inexplicable warmth in her presence that tugged at something deep within him.
Sometimes, unknown connections reveal themselves so strongly that you're drawn to them without understanding why. That was exactly how it felt for the Blake family and Elysia.
To William and Sophie, Elysia's choice of words—calling him "brother"—felt like an innocent gesture. She was, after all, now a part of their family, and they took it as a sign that she felt connected to them.
Yet they didn't realize that Elysia saw the same face as her brother from the past. It was just as she had instinctively called them "Father" and "Mother" upon first seeing them.
Sophie stepped forward, a soft smile on her lips as she gently rubbed Elysia's back. She didn't need words to understand the weight of the moment—she could feel it in her heart.
Sophie introduced Elysia to the other members. "This is your uncle Edward, your cousin brother Alex, and your cousin sister-in-law Arina." They smiled politely, but there was a hint of curiosity and hesitation in their expressions.
Edward, her uncle, gave her a small nod, his face serious but not unfriendly. "Welcome, Elysia. I hope you'll settle in well here," he said in a calm, measured tone, still adjusting to the news.
Alex smiled and leaned forward slightly. "Nice to meet you," he said. Though his words were kind, his eyes seemed to be quietly studying her, as if trying to figure her out.
Arina stepped closer and touched Elysia's arm gently. "If you need anything, just let me know," she said with a warm smile. Her voice was soft and welcoming, though Elysia could sense she was still getting used to the situation.
"Come, dear," Sophie, Benjamin's mother, said softly. "Let me show you to your room."
As they walked off, William placed a reassuring hand on his son's, Benjamin shoulder.
"Doesn't she feel like family?" he asked softly.
Benjamin, still taken aback by the strange pull he felt toward her, nodded slightly and murmured, "Yes, Father."
William's smile widened as he took a deep breath, leaving their newfound bond in the hands of fate.
Upstairs, Sophie led Elysia into her new room. The space was minimalist, devoid of the typically feminine touches, and perfectly reflected Elysia's tastes.
During their time together in the hospital, Sophie had sensed Elysia's unique personality—her simplicity, her quiet strength. She'd chosen this room knowing Elysia would prefer a more understated space, and her intuition was proven right as Elysia's face lit up upon seeing it.
"Do you like it?" Sophie asked.
"I love it, Mother," Elysia replied, a soft warmth in her voice.
"Get freshened up and come downstairs for breakfast. I've put some new clothes for you in the wardrobe—I hope they're to your liking," Sophie said with a gentle smile, before leaving the room.
As Elysia looked around, she felt an unexpected sense of comfort, taking in the simplicity of the room. Somehow, it reminded her of her chamber in the palace.
And yet, there was a nagging feeling, a whisper of something she couldn't quite place. Perhaps this is where my destiny begins anew... she thought, a hint of resolve glimmering in her eyes. Let's see where fate leads me now.
She made her way to the bathroom. As she passed by the mirror, she happened to glance at her reflection—and then froze.
"What's this?" she whispered, her heart pounding as her gaze locked onto something.