–Livana–
From the second floor, I watched as the chopper descended like a silver-winged omen, slicing through the afternoon sky. Wind scattered leaves across the courtyard as its blades slowed, and with it arrived the past—my grandparents from my mother's side, carried back into my present.
Inside that vessel were also my father-in-law and my grandparents-in-law. Below, my husband, Kai, and Caine stepped forward to greet them, steadying fragile arms and guiding careful steps. My mother stood beside me, her posture serene, and on my other side was my sister, vibrating with barely contained excitement.
"I was also curious," Laura murmured, attempting humor. "Aren't we going to surprise Dad?"
"Are you trying to kill your father early?" Mom teased, and I laughed softly, shaking my head.
"Hm. I think it's time to meet your parents, Mom," I said.
She met my gaze with those familiar blue eyes, rolled them, and gave a careless shrug.
