Chapter Five
919 Words
The mansion buzzed with excitement as servants scurried around, putting the final touches on the grand welcoming setup. Eleanor stood in the entrance hall, her hands clasped tightly, her heart racing with anticipation. Abigail joined her, a soft smile on her face as she tried to soothe her mother’s nerves.
“Mother, relax,” Abigail said gently, wrapping an arm around her. “She’s coming home. This is a joyous moment.”
“I know,” Eleanor said, her voice trembling. “But I can’t help it. After all these years, my daughter is finally returning. What if she… doesn’t remember us?”
“She will,” Abigail reassured her. “You’ll see.”
---
The sound of approaching cars brought the mansion to a standstill. Two sleek, black vehicles pulled up in front of the grand steps, their polished surfaces gleaming under the evening light. Eleanor’s breath caught, and she gripped Abigail’s arm for support.
Asher and Azaiah stepped out first, their commanding presence immediately drawing attention. They strode to the second car and opened the door with a reverence that made Eleanor’s heart ache.
Then, Brittany stepped out, her every movement exuding confidence and poise. Her designer heels clicked against the stone pavement as she stood tall, her perfectly styled hair catching the light. Her sharp eyes scanned the mansion before settling on Eleanor, who stood frozen.
“Amelia,” Eleanor whispered, her voice breaking. Without hesitation, she rushed forward, her arms outstretched.
Brittany smiled, a calculated expression that masked her thoughts, and allowed Eleanor to embrace her.
“My Amelia,” Eleanor cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. “You’re home. You’re finally home.”
Brittany patted Eleanor’s back, her smile remaining fixed. “Yes, Mother,” she said smoothly. “I’ve missed you all so much.”
---
Inside the grand living room, the family gathered to formally welcome Brittany. She stood at the center, her posture regal as Eleanor proudly introduced her to everyone.
“This is my daughter, my Amelia,” Eleanor declared, her voice filled with emotion. “After twenty years, she’s back where she belongs.”
Abigail watched Brittany closely, her usually warm eyes narrowing slightly. Something about her didn’t sit right. While Brittany was undeniably beautiful and elegant, there was no familial resemblance. Abigail noticed the subtle differences—the shape of her eyes, the sharpness of her jawline, and the lack of warmth in her demeanor.
“There's something so different about her,” Abigail thought, but said nothing. She didn’t want to upset her mother on such a special day.
---
Asher and Azaiah sat nearby, their expressions neutral but observant. They were clearly relieved to have found their sister, but their guarded nature kept them from showing too much emotion.
Liam Hemsworth, the family’s close friend and a handsome billionaire, leaned casually against the wall, his piercing gaze fixed on Brittany. He gave a polite nod when Eleanor introduced him.
“Welcome home, Amelia,” he said smoothly, his voice deep and confident.
“Thank you,” Brittany replied, offering him a practiced smile.
---
Meanwhile, Emma hovered near the doorway, her presence unnoticed by most. She had been tasked with serving refreshments but couldn’t help but feel out of place amidst the grandeur.
As Brittany continued to bask in the family’s attention, Emma’s eyes wandered to the floor. A deep ache filled her chest as she watched Eleanor’s unreserved affection for Brittany. It was a stark contrast to the coldness she had endured since coming to work at the mansion.
Emma bit her lip, her mind drifting to the stories her foster mother had told her about being found alone and injured as a child. Could there be more to her past? She shook her head, brushing the thought away.
“Stop dreaming,” she whispered to herself.
---
Abigail couldn’t contain her unease. She stepped closer to Brittany, her tone polite but her words pointed. “Amelia, do you remember anything about us from when you were little? Any special moments or family traditions?”
Brittany’s smile faltered for a split second before she recovered. “It’s all a blur,” she said smoothly. “Being away for so long has made it hard to recall details. But I’m sure they’ll come back to me in time.”
Abigail nodded, but her suspicion grew.
Eleanor, however, noticed none of this. She was too elated to see anything but her long-lost daughter. She beamed as she held Brittany’s hand tightly, her joy radiating through the room.
---
As the family celebrated, Liam’s gaze drifted toward Emma, who stood silently in the shadows. There was something about her—something that didn’t align with her role as a maid. Her quiet grace, her melancholic aura, and the way she seemed so disconnected from the surrounding chaos piqued his curiosity.
“Who is she?” he asked Asher casually again, nodding toward Emma.
Asher followed his gaze and frowned. “Just one of the maids. Why?”
Liam didn’t respond immediately. His eyes remained on Emma, who was tidying up a nearby table, her movements delicate and precise. There was an air of mystery about her that he couldn’t ignore.
As Emma turned to leave, Liam caught her gaze for a brief moment. His heart skipped a beat. There was something in her eyes—something raw and unspoken—that drew him in.
“Just curious,” Liam finally said, though his thoughts remained on Emma.
---
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