Chapter 6: You're Coming Home With Us
1018 Words
I pulled open the apartment door.
Standing outside was an elegant middle-aged woman accompanied by two exceptionally handsome men.
My eyes lingered on them for a second.
Seriously... why are all handsome men gathering at my doorstep today?
Then my gaze shifted past them.
I froze.
"...Mom?"
I blinked several times and even rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand.
Nope.
I wasn't imagining things.
Standing behind the three of them was my adopted mother, Catherine Harrison.
"Mom..." I laughed awkwardly. "Fancy seeing you here."
She raised an eyebrow.
That look alone told me she already knew I was hiding something.
"Mom?"
The elegant woman repeated in surprise as she turned toward Catherine.
Catherine sighed helplessly.
"I suppose I should make the introductions."
She looked at me with a small smile.
"This is my adopted daughter, Miriam Harrison."
Then she turned to the others.
"The daughter I told you about."
Realization flashed across the woman's face.
"So you're Miriam."
She smiled warmly while the two young men quietly looked me over with curiosity.
Before anyone could say another word—
A tall figure appeared behind me.
He tilted his head, staring silently at the visitors.
The moment they saw him...
All three froze.
"Xavier!"
They called his name almost at the same time.
I looked back at the man standing behind me.
Then back at them.
"...Xavier?"
The younger man rushed forward excitedly.
"Big Brother!"
He reached for Xavier's arm.
Before he could touch him...
Xavier smoothly dodged to one side and walked straight behind me.
As if hiding.
Lucas froze with his hand still stretched into the air.
"...He dodged me?"
Even Ethan's usually calm expression cracked slightly.
Mrs. Harrison merely smiled as if she had expected this all along.
"Why don't we go inside first?"
"There are a lot of things to explain."
A few minutes later...
Everyone was seated in my living room.
Xavier sat beside me.
No...
Beside wasn't the right word.
He was practically glued to my side.
Mom looked at me.
"So..."
"Tell us how you met him."
I told them everything.
How I found him sitting alone outside the supermarket.
How he silently followed me home.
How I couldn't leave him alone.
Of course...
I conveniently left out the part where his ridiculously handsome face had influenced my decision.
Mom gave me a knowing look.
I looked away immediately.
She knew.
She definitely knew.
It was unfair how easily she could read my mind.
After I finished speaking, the elegant woman smiled gratefully.
"My name is Hilda Foster."
"Xavier is my eldest son."
She paused before continuing.
"A few days ago, he was attacked."
"He suffered a serious head injury."
"Physically he's recovering..."
"But mentally..."
Her eyes filled with worry.
"He's become like a child."
"He barely speaks."
"He refuses to let anyone get close."
"Even me."
I glanced at Xavier.
He was resting one hand against his chin...
Looking at me again.
I sighed.
This handsome i***t is hopeless.
Mrs. Foster noticed my expression and smiled apologetically.
"Miriam..."
"Thank you."
"Thank you for taking care of my son."
"If there's ever anything you need..."
"I'll do everything within my power to help you."
I smiled politely.
"Thank you, Mrs. Foster."
"But I don't really need anything."
She laughed softly.
"Don't call me Mrs. Foster."
"You can call me Aunt Hilda."
I nodded.
"Alright, Aunt—"
"No."
Mom interrupted.
"You won't be calling her Aunt."
Everyone turned toward Catherine in confusion.
She smiled mischievously.
"You'll probably be calling her Mom instead."
"..."
Silence.
My eyes widened.
"What?"
Before I could recover from the shock, Ethan cleared his throat.
His calm voice broke the awkward atmosphere.
"I think we should take Xavier home first."
"After he recovers..."
"There'll be plenty of time to chat."
Everyone nodded.
It was the most reasonable suggestion.
Then Mom spoke again.
"That's assuming..."
"He agrees to leave."
The room fell silent.
Seeing our confused expressions, she continued,
"Can't you see it?"
"He's attached to Miriam."
"I doubt he'll leave without her."
To test her theory, I stood up.
"I'll go get his jacket."
As soon as I walked toward my bedroom...
Xavier immediately stood.
Lucas quickly blocked his path.
"Big Brother."
"Come home with us."
Xavier frowned.
Without hesitation...
He stepped around Lucas as though he didn't exist.
Just then, I returned carrying his jacket.
He walked straight over to me.
I smiled helplessly before helping him put it on.
Mrs. Foster slowly approached.
"Xavier..."
"Let's go home."
The moment he realized what she meant...
He suddenly wrapped both arms around my waist from behind.
Holding me tightly.
As though afraid someone would steal me away.
"X-Xavier..."
I tried prying his hands loose.
Nothing.
Lucas tried.
Nothing.
Even Ethan couldn't convince him.
He simply refused to let go.
After watching the scene for a while...
Mom finally spoke.
"Miriam."
"Pack your things."
I looked at her.
"Huh?"
"You're moving to the Foster Estate."
The room fell silent.
Mom smiled calmly.
"Xavier feels safe around you."
"Keeping you by his side will help with his treatment."
"And besides..."
She looked at me knowingly.
"You don't dislike the idea either."
I opened my mouth to deny it.
But...
I couldn't.
The truth was...
The thought of Xavier leaving had left an uncomfortable emptiness in my chest.
Perhaps...
I had already grown used to having my oversized shadow following me around.
Mrs. Foster clasped my hands excitedly.
"Miriam..."
"I wouldn't mind having you as my daughter-in-law."
I nearly stumbled from embarrassment.
Fortunately, Xavier caught me before I fell.
Mrs. Foster's smile widened.
"Look at that."
Mom laughed.
"I told you."
"She'll be calling you Mom sooner than you think."
The two women exchanged meaningful smiles.
I suddenly had a terrible feeling...
They were already planning our wedding.
An hour later...
We left my apartment together.
Mrs. Foster insisted that I didn't need to pack.
"My staff will move everything for you," she said with a smile.
As our convoy headed toward the Foster Estate...
I had no idea...
That this single decision...
Would completely change my life.
- Writer
