"My princess "
A smile instantly lit my face,when I heard that familiar voice, my dad's voice. I looked up, and there he was standing in the doorway, wearing his glasses, loooking handsome with his usual calm, confident smile.
"Dad...." I said softly,
He stepped forward, his eyes radiating that familiar, unmistakable warmth with his arms opened wide" come here, princess"
I rushed over and hugged him tightly. It felt safe, like I was finally home.
" You took your time getting back," he teased, ruffling my hair, "But I'm glad you're here"
I laughed "you missed me, didn't you?
He chuckled warmly, " of course I did, the house felt too quite without you."
"Hey!" Mom called from kitchen.
"I'm still here, you know!"
Dad grinned,"That exactly, why it was only a little quite. "
I gigled, shaking my head as Mom walked in, pretending to glare at him.
" Dinner's ready! and before you ask, no I didn't burn anything this time," she announced proudly.
Dad raised an eyebrow, "You always say that."
Mom playfully swatted his arm, and dad as usual, pretended to wince in pain. I couldn't help but laugh at this scene, after three years away, I'd missed their little dramas more than I realized.
After dinner, Mom nudged me gently, "your dad want to talk about something important with you tommorow morning."
I groaned,"Please, don't tell me it's about work,"
"Oh my honey, it is" Mom replied sweetly.
"So soon? Come on, I just landed" I groaned.
Dad smiled, his tone gentle but encouraging. "It's a project we think you'll like, nothing to stress about princess"
" Hmm," I mumbled, sipping my tea," alright, we'll see about that." Mom patted my hand, " don't worry sweetheart, you've got this."
I yawned, feeling the day catching up to me, " I'm going to bed, see you in the morning."
Mom chuckled, "sleep well, sweetheart."
Dad gave me a knowing smile, "get some rest, princess, you'll need it."
I stood kissed mom's cheek and hugged dad, " goodnight, don't stay up too late."
Mom smirked " no promises honey"
As I walked upstairs, the house felt so warm, and peaceful just like old times. Something, in the air felt different, like the calm before a storm. I smiled to myself, unaware that tommorow, I'll soon find myself tangled up with my arrogant ex-fiance' , the jerk, that, I swore I'd never see again.