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“Noah, you’re greeting the guests in the entrance hall with me,” said Brian. “The rest of you, fan out in the main hall and banquet room.”
“Got it,” said Corey with a mock salute.
Together, we traipsed out of my room.
Soft music reached my ears as we reached the banisters near the staircase leading downstairs. Brian offered me his arm, and together we descended toward the party.
The moment reminded me of an evening a long time ago. Mom had been on his arm back then and they’d both looked like the most beautiful couple in the world.
“I miss Mom,” I said in a low voice.
He laid a hand over mine. “I know, kiddo. I miss her too.”
Strangely though, I didn’t feel lonely tonight.
Brian was beside me and Noah, Corey, and Caleb were right behind me. I was surrounded by my father and the people who’d sworn to protect me. The house didn’t intimidate me as it used to.
I’m finally home, I realized as a warm feeling enveloped me.
Confidence surged through me. My back straightened and I was suddenly ready to welcome our guests.
A few people were already gathered in the main hall.
Brian left with Noah to welcome the guests coming in through the front door while Corey, Caleb, and I spread around to talk to everyone.
I took the time to appreciate the beautifully decorated main hall. There were tall, porcelain vases of fresh flowers scattered all around the room, and a gigantic chandelier lit up the place with a warm, golden glow.
I wasn’t given much time to linger on my own though. Guests gathered around me and soon, I was talking to eight different people at once.
About an hour later, I felt my purse vibrate. Opening it, I took my phone out and glanced at the flashing screen.
Noah was calling me.
“Hey,” I answered.
“They’ve arrived,” he whispered urgently.
I didn’t have to ask who he was talking about. Keeping my phone glued to my ear, I hurried toward the tall doors.
Through the gaps between the bodies, I caught a glimpse of Luke. Dressed in a dark suit with his blond hair slicked backward, he looked like a hunter on the prowl. His pale-colored eyes traversed across the room until they found me.
I waved at him.
“He’s here,” I said into the phone and switched off the call.
Placing my phone back into my purse, I walked toward Luke.
Reaching closer, I noticed a man beside him. Unlike Luke, he was short, balding, and kind of...orange.
“Hey, gorgeous,” said Luke, stepping closer to give me a quick hug. “You’ve been busy, haven’t you?”
“Yeah. It’s not easy managing so much on my own. I’m so glad to see you though.”
Luke flashed a grin. “I’d like you to meet my dad,” he said, stepping aside to let the shorter man move forward. “This is Bill Beckett, my father.”
Luke must’ve inherited his handsome features from his mom. There was barely any similarity between him and the short, fake-tanned man with beady black eyes.
“Hello,” I said, extending my hand toward Bill.
