For the first time in months, Adrian stepped through the front door of his home feeling lighter than he had in a long time. The weight that had been pressing on his shoulders, the constant burden of betrayal, grief, and responsibility, had finally eased.
Grace, who had been sitting on the couch reading a book, looked up the moment she heard him walk in. At first glance, she could tell something was different. There was no stiffness in his posture, no tension in his jaw. Instead, there was a calmness in his eyes, a rare serenity that she hadn't seen in him for a long time.
Setting the book down, she stood up and walked toward him. "You look… happy," she said softly, tilting her head in curiosity.
Adrian let out a deep sigh, one that almost sounded like relief, and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a warm embrace. "I am."
Grace blinked in surprise. "Did something happen?"
Adrian pulled back slightly and looked into her eyes, his lips curving into a small but genuine smile. "A lot happened. But for once, it was something good."
She studied him for a moment before smiling back. "Then I take it things with your father went well?"
Adrian nodded. "Better than I expected. We talked—really talked. And for the first time in years, I feel like I have my father back."
Grace's eyes softened, and she reached up to gently caress his face. "I'm so happy for you, Adrian. You needed this."
He nodded again, his heart swelling with emotion. "I didn't realize how much I needed it until now."
She took his hand and led him to the couch, motioning for him to sit down. "Tell me everything."
And so, Adrian did. He told her about his conversation with his father, about the memories they had shared, the regrets they had voiced, and the newfound understanding between them. He even showed her the watch his father had given him, explaining its significance.
Grace listened intently, her fingers laced with his, squeezing his hand gently every now and then. When he finished, she smiled warmly. "This is just the beginning, you know. Rebuilding that bond will take time, but at least now, you're both willing to try."
Adrian sighed and nodded. "I know. And for once, I'm looking forward to it."
Grace leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "You deserve this happiness, Adrian. And I'll be right here, supporting you every step of the way."
He wrapped his arms around her again, holding her close. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Grace."
She chuckled softly. "Well, lucky for you, you'll never have to find out."
As Adrian held Grace in his arms, he let out a deep breath, allowing himself to bask in the rare tranquility that had settled over him. The house felt warmer tonight—not just because of Grace's presence but because, for the first time in years, he didn't feel like he was fighting a war on all fronts.
Grace pulled back slightly, resting her forehead against his. "So… what's next?" she asked softly.
Adrian thought for a moment, then smirked. "Dinner with my father."
She blinked in surprise. "Really?"
He nodded. "He wants to get to know you better. Properly this time."
Grace hesitated, biting her lip. "Are you sure about this? I mean… after everything that's happened, are you and your father really ready for that?"
Adrian's gaze softened. "We have to start somewhere, don't we?"
She searched his eyes for any doubt, but all she saw was determination. Slowly, she smiled. "Alright. If it's important to you, then I'd love to go."
Adrian kissed her forehead, murmuring, "It is."
The warmth of the moment was interrupted by a small, excited bark from the corner of the room. Grace chuckled as their golden retriever, Leo, padded over, wagging his tail furiously as he nudged Adrian's leg.
Adrian shook his head with amusement and reached down to scratch behind Leo's ears. "Missed me too, huh?"
The dog responded with an enthusiastic bark before hopping onto the couch and snuggling against both of them. Grace laughed. "Looks like we both did."
Adrian looked at her, something unspoken passing between them. He squeezed her hand gently, grounding himself in the reality of the present.
No more fighting over what was already his. No more scheming shadows trying to take him down. He could finally focus on something that truly mattered—his family.
And for the first time in a long while, he truly felt like he had one.
The next evening, Adrian and Grace arrived at his father's estate for dinner. The air felt different—lighter, free from the suffocating weight of deception and betrayal that had once clouded this home.
As they stepped through the grand entrance, Mr. Williams greeted them with a warm smile, something Adrian hadn't seen from his father in years. "Welcome home, son."
Adrian hesitated for a moment before responding, "It's good to be back."
Mr. Williams then turned his gaze to Grace, his expression turning softer. "And you must be my daughter-in-law. I owe you an apology."
Grace blinked in surprise. "An apology?"
He nodded solemnly. "I allowed myself to be blind to what was happening in my own household. I should have stepped in sooner. I should have protected you and Adrian from everything that happened. But from now on, I want you to know that you have my full support. Both of you do."
Grace smiled warmly. "Thank you, Mr. Williams. That means a lot."
"Call me Dad," he corrected with a small chuckle.
Grace glanced at Adrian, who simply shrugged with a smirk, before turning back to his father. "Alright... Dad."
The butler soon escorted them to the dining room, where a beautifully prepared meal awaited. The three of them sat down, and for the first time in years, the house wasn't filled with tension or hostility—just genuine conversation, laughter, and an unspoken agreement to move forward.
As Adrian observed his father and wife exchanging stories and pleasantries, he felt something shift deep within him.