Chapter 1
The alarm blared through the quiet bedroom. Emma slapped her hand over it, groaning.
"Wow, it's already morning," she whispered, then turned to the man sleeping beside her. "Honey, wake up! Today is a special day."
John pulled the blanket over his head. "Okay, okay... give me five more minutes."
Emma rolled her eyes. "Don't do this drama like every day. Now get up and get ready, otherwise we'll be late."
He gasped dramatically and sat up. "Alright, alright."
-- One hour later --
They left the house, boarded a plane, and after hours in the air, finally landed in Milan, Italy. A cab carried them through the busy streets until they stopped in front of a tall iron gate.
The orphanage.
Inside, the couple was welcomed warmly. A middle-aged woman with kind eyes walked toward them.
"Take my greetings," she said softly.
"Thank you," Emma replied, her voice trembling with anticipation. "You know why we're here. So... may I take her?"
"Of course," Miss Novera smiled. "She's been doing well. We told her to prepare herself."
She led them into a small waiting room. "Please have a seat. I'll go bring her."
When she left, silence hung between Emma and John.
"Do you think she'll be happy to see us again?" John asked nervously.
Emma touched his hand. "Of course she will. She's been waiting for this moment for six years."
Minutes passed before Miss Novera returned-this time, with someone trailing behind her.
The girl had an aura that made the air shift. She was tall, with long black hair cascading down her back, and her dark red eyes seemed to pierce through everything in the room. A small smile curved on her lips.
"Here she is," Miss Novera announced, tapping the girl's shoulder before quietly leaving them.
"Hello, my dear," Emma said, standing quickly. "How are you? You've grown so much since I last saw you."
Liliana nodded slightly. "Indeed."
John stepped closer. "How are you? You must remember us."
Liliana's smile didn't fade. "Yeah. I remember. How could I forget both of you?"
John chuckled. "I know, I was just joking around. You know your dad's habit."
Emma's eyes shone with tears. "Now... it's time to go home."
---
The cab ride to the airport was quiet. John sat beside the driver, while Emma and Liliana sat together in the back.
"How were your days at the orphanage?" Emma asked.
"It was fun," Liliana replied.
Emma's chest tightened. "Haven't you missed your family?"
"No." The same small smile remained on Liliana's face.
Emma looked away, hurt. "Then you must have made friends."
Liliana finally spoke again, her voice soft but distant. "It's been six years since I last saw you. Time flew really fast."
Silence filled the rest of the ride.
-- Four hours later, Airport --
The moment Liliana stepped outside, she breathed in deeply. It's been a while, she thought, a smirk tugging at her lips.
A car was already waiting.
On the way home, Emma handed Liliana a small box. "Here, take this. It's a phone with a sim card. From now on, I'll call you whenever I'm not home. But don't worry-for the next two days, your father and I won't go to work."
Liliana accepted it wordlessly.
-- At Home --
John unlocked the door, revealing a dark corridor.
"Why is it so dark?" Emma muttered.
"Who knows?" John replied.
Suddenly, a loud pop echoed, and the lights flicked on. A girl stood there, holding a party popper.
"Welcome home!" Lina cried, throwing her arms around Liliana. "It's been a while, sissy. I missed you so much!"
Liliana smirked faintly. "Will you not let me in?"
"Oh! Sorry, sorry." Lina laughed nervously.
"It's okay."
Everyone entered, and Liliana sat on the sofa while Lina rushed to bring her water.
"Look, Liliana," Emma said softly. "Your sister is so happy to have you back."
"I see," Liliana replied calmly.
Lina returned, smiling brightly. "Here, sissy."
Liliana took the glass and drank quietly.
John cleared his throat. "Now it's time for our family discussion. We always have a family meeting once a month."
Emma nodded. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it."
Does this lady really think I'll be sad about house rules changing without me knowing? Liliana thought to herself. Huh.
John continued, "Since you've joined us again, we'll go to the main family house to meet your uncle, aunt, and cousins next Saturday."
Emma added, "I bought some dresses in your size. For now, go get some rest in your room."
Liliana stood up slowly.
"Good night," everyone called.
She gave them a small nod. "Yes."
And with that, she disappeared into her room.
