Amelia hurried to the gate, her heart thudding.
But the moment she pushed it open, she froze.
Irelia stood there nervously, flanked by two guards in black. Behind them, two sleek cars gleamed in the morning sun, so flashy the whole neighborhood was already buzzing.
Windows slid open, doors creaked, whispers floated around.
"Who owns those cars?"
"Is she dating a billionaire?"
Amelia wished she could disappear.
Before she could say a word, Irelia's face lit up. She dashed forward and wrapped her arms around her.
"Mommy!!"
Amelia steadied her. "Irelia… how did you even find my house?"
"I asked Liam!" she chirped. "He told me."
Amelia frowned. "But I never told Liam where my aunty lives. So how did he know—"
She didn't finish because a voice cut through the air.
"Irelia!"
Zoe stood in the doorway, stunned but smiling wide.
The moment Irelia saw her, she ran into her arms. "Good morning, Aunty Zoe! How's your health?"
Zoe laughed loudly, patting her back. "Much better today. Just look at you, such a sweetheart!"
Their laughter filled the entire compound.
Amelia blinked, confused. "When… did they become friends?" she muttered to herself as the two walked inside like family.
She followed them in and sat down, eyeing them suspiciously.
"Zoe" she said at last, "how do you know Irelia?"
"Oh!" Zoe's eyes sparkled. "She's the girl who brought those flowers yesterday with that handsome man. Amelia, you didn't tell me your friend was that fine!"
Instead of stopping, Zoe pressed a hand dramatically to her chest.
"If I were younger…" She sighed. "I'd have chased him myself."
Amelia nearly choked.
Before she could deny anything, Zoe tapped her forehead. "And you! Why are you still single? I need a grandchild before I leave this world."
Irelia burst into giggles.
"Aunty" she said proudly, "that handsome man is my father. And your daughter here" she pointed at Amelia "is my mom. So I guess that makes me your grandchild!"
Amelia froze.
Zoe froze.
Then Amelia started coughing all over again.
Zoe darted toward her, eyes wide. She grabbed Amelia's arm and pulled her aside.
"Ame" she whispered urgently, "I never saw you pregnant. How—HOW did you give birth to a girl who looks eighteen? Explain this to me!"
Amelia covered her face. "Aunty… she's not my real daughter. Irelia doesn't have a mother, and she calls me mom. She just… sees me that way."
Zoe's expression softened instantly.
She turned to Irelia with a warm smile. "Poor child. If you want a grandma, I'll be your grandma."
Irelia gasped happily. "Really?!"
"Yes, dear. Now come, food is ready." Zoe waved her over.
She placed dishes on the table and called out proudly, "Grandchild, come and eat!"
Irelia rushed forward, and Zoe welcomed her like she'd known her forever.
Amelia just stood there, stunned, wondering how her quiet life had suddenly turned into this beautiful chaos.
After the meal, Irelia quickly stood and collected a few plates.
Amelia joined her, brushing past her shoulder as they carried everything to the kitchen.
Once they were alone, Irelia leaned in and whispered, "I'm staying with you for a week… then I'll go home with you."
Amelia froze mid-rinse. "A week? Your dad agreed to that?"
Irelia nodded with a sweet, innocent smile. "Yes. He said it's fine."
Amelia glanced toward the window, where the guards and flashy cars were still parked. "But those guards can't stay here. And those cars, they'll bring the whole street outside."
"I know" Irelia murmured. "I'll take care of it."
"And about you staying…" Amelia wiped her hands with a towel. "I'll have to talk to Aunty Zoe."
"Okay" Irelia said quietly.
They finished the dishes together, the soft clinking filling the silence between them.
When they were done, Irelia went to sit on the couch, legs dangling and swinging lightly as she waited.
Amelia walked over to Zoe, who was folding a cloth at the dining table.
"Aunty" she said gently, "Irelia wants to stay with us for a week."
Zoe immediately looked toward Irelia. The girl sat perfectly straight, hands folded neatly in her lap, like she was trying her best to make a good impression.
Zoe leaned closer to Amelia. "Will she cope here?" she whispered.
"She's a lovely girl, but… look at her clothes. And the people waiting outside. She's clearly from a rich home."
Amelia smiled softly. "She is. But she's a very good child, Aunty."
Zoe studied Irelia again, her calm posture, her quiet smile. After a thoughtful pause, she exhaled.
"Alright… she can stay."
Relief washed over Amelia. She hurried back to the living room. "Irelia, you can stay."
Irelia's eyes lit up instantly. "Really?!"
Before Amelia could blink, she had dashed outside. A moment later she came running back in, tugging a small suitcase behind her.
Amelia stared. "Your guards—?"
"I sent them away" Irelia said proudly. "They're gone."
"Good." Amelia nodded. "Come, I'll show you your room."
They took two steps toward the hallway when a sudden shout came from inside the house.
"Don't take her to my room!"