1: Back home

Emily’s POV:

The door of the jet lowered into a staircase and a gush of wind breezed past me. My hair followed the current as the air hit my face bringing the feel of home along with it. I sighed in delight.

“I’m back New York!” I screamed at the top of my voice. It echoed back to me which brought a smile to my face. “I really missed you.”

“Young mistress?” Jake, one of my father’s youngest bodyguards called. My father had insisted that at least a team of ten accompanied me back home which I find really unnecessary by the way. I’m not that famous. I think.

“I already told you, please call me Emily.”

“Sorry young- I mean Emily. The car is ready for you.”

“Thank you, Jake.” He blushed a little. I sighed internally. I sometimes forgot that I was a past model. I knew the tricks to enhance every asset I had and as much as I hated the attention, I had to keep up appearances for the tabloids. You never know when a paparazzi might pop up. If they want a picture, might as well give them a good one. I haven't revealed my identity as owner of one of the most successful clothing brands either. I wonder what will happen when I do. I sighed again. I guess I am famous after all.

I stepped down the stairs and walked to the car while they brought down my suitcases. I reached for one of them to give them a hand but they pulled it out of my reach.

“Sorry young mistress. We are under strict orders to give you the best treatment possible. Please take a seat in the car.”

“It wouldn’t hurt to help.”

“Please I don’t want to get in trouble.”

“Can I at least take the light bags, please?”

He looked at me, glanced at the bags and repeated.

“Ok fine but only the light ones.”

“Of course. I’ll leave the big bad suitcases to you,” I replied, smiling innocently.

He shook his head at my childishness before resuming his work. I quickly took care of the bags before he changed his mind. Once I settled in, I checked my phone. There was a message from mom asking what to make for dinner.

“Now, that’s rare.”

I quickly typed in my favourite dishes before happily clicking send.

“What’s got you in a good mood, princess? Glad to be back?”

That voice. I quickly looked up and I jumped out of my seat rushing to hug Gray.

“Oof! Careful princess. You’ve gotten stronger. Would you look at that? Muscles!”

I smacked his arm playfully.

“Hush! How have you been?”

Gray is my younger brother. He is the only one I kept constant contact with during my trip. Let’s just say my parents and I are not that close. Since I was a girl, they never expected me to ever be successful. They always rooted for Gray though. They had huge hopes in him and he did not disappoint. I was always left behind. The unwanted burden. That’s how I felt my whole life but I never let it affect my relationship with my cute little brother. He was the only one who genuinely cared for me and always made sure I was included and comfortable. If there was someone I missed throughout my whole trip, it would be Gray.

“I’m doing great now that you’re here. Life is so boring without you.”

“Don’t worry. Now that I’m here I’m not leaving again.”

“I hope you don't. I missed you like crazy."

"Young Mistress. The car is ready."

"Yeah! Let’s go! Everyone is waiting for you back home.”

I scoffed. “I doubt it. They’re probably dreading my return.”

We both got into the car before continuing the conversation.

“Oh you know that’s not true.”

“It doesn’t matter. I no longer care. I spent my whole life craving their attention. I’m done begging. They want to talk to me, I will as well. They don’t, too bad.”

“I’m glad you no longer feel the need to have their approval. They never learned to value you. They don’t deserve you nor do you deserve getting constantly hurt in hopes of keeping a healthy relationship.”

“We’re here, young mistress.”

“Already?”

I looked out the window and realised we were already at the front gate. I took a deep breath in as we drove through the driveway to the mansion. Halloway Mansion. One of the most luxurious houses around. The only thing I like about this house is the environment. Despite being in New York, it was always calm and silent as it was distant from the bustling city.

“Welcome back home, princess.”

“It’s home as long as you’re here. As soon as this whole family meeting is over, I’m gonna crash at yours. I hope you don’t mind.”

“That’s fine. More time to spend with you.”

“Young mistress, your mother awaits you in the lobby.”

“Thank you. I will be right there.”

He bowed before leaving to retrieve the bags from the cars.

“Time to face the music.”

Gray sent me a look but I passed him walking towards the lobby with confident strides. The guards opened the doors bowing to me. Before I could stop them, my mother’s voice boomed from the back of the room.

“Emily! So good to see you. How was your trip?”

“Great mother.”

“Good, good. Your father is waiting for you in the dining room, let’s go.”

“Right.”

I followed her through the house, recalling all my childhood memories. As alone as I felt, I spent my whole life here. And I do have a few happy memories with Gray. Some way or the other I was emotionally to this place.

“Emilia, how’s business doing?”

My mood immediately soured. Same old father. I turned to look at him and I felt all colour drain from my face. He looked frail and pale. That was not the father I knew. He prioritised his health above anything else. What the hell happened during these three years I was gone? I turned to look at Gray to get some answers but he was as shellshocked as I was.

“Great… the business is doing great. What happened to you?”

“Life. My heart finally let me down.”

“It’s life threatening. The doctor says he doesn’t know how long he has.”

“Why didn’t you say anything? I called from time to time; you could have told me. I would have come back earlier.”

“You finally did something useful of your life, I didn’t want you to come back just to take care of me. I have carers to do that.”

Even in his last days, he was still as insensitive. I was surprised he even had a heart to let him down.

“I’m your daughter for God’s sake and by the look on Gray’s face he didn’t know either. You didn’t want to tell me; you could have told him.”

“Yes, you could have. Why didn’t you tell me? We have called so many times to talk business. Is that why you participated in every meeting remotely and why you were always absent when I visited?”

“There was still hope until recently. The one who would have gone through with the transplant cancelled and your father does not want to look for another one. That’s why we can now tell you. There's nothing that can be done.”

I tsked. I never connected with him, he made me hate myself, he never cared for me but I did. I would definitely cry at his funeral.

“There’s one last thing I want to see before dying.”

“And what would that be?”

“You getting married.”