The house was quiet, tilted with the lazy hum of afternoon light spilling through tall windows. Janine stood by the window of Alex's room, watching how the wind moved through the trees outside. The Elms always looked calm on the outside, but today the stillness felt heavier- like the silence before rain.
Alex lay on his bed, one arm thrown over his forehead,eyes fixed on the ceiling. He hadn't said a word since storming off from the sitting room. His shoulders rose and fell with quiet frustration.
Janine hesitated for a second, then climbed onto the bed beside him, resting her head on his chest. For a moment, he didn't move- then she felt his arm slide around her waist, pulling her closer. His heartbeat was steady, but his silence wasn't. It was the kind that carried years of unspoken things.
"He caught you off guard, didn't he?"
Janine whispered.
Alex exhaled slowly. "I just... didn't think he'd actually show up. After all these years, I stopped waiting."
Janine traced a small circle on his chest with her finger. "You're angry."
"I'm not," he said, but his voice lacked conviction. "I just don't know what to feel. He disappeared without a word, and now he walks back like nothing happened."
She looked up at him. "You don't have to forgive him today."
He turned his face towards her,eyes softening. "You always know what to say."
Janine smiled faintly. "Someone has to keep you from drowning in your thoughts."
That drew a quiet chuckle from him. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his hand lingering there for a moment.
"Thanks for staying," he murmured.
"Where else would I be?" She said, pressing her forehead against his chest.
They stayed like that for a while- wrapped in silence that said more than words could.
By late afternoon, Aunt Georgia called up the stairs,her voice carrying warmth and familiarity.
"Janine, sweetheart! Could you come help me with dinner prep?"
Janine sat up reluctantly. Alex gave her a small smile, the kind that said go ahead.
She squeezed his hand before leaving.
"You'll be okay?"
"I will," he said softly. "Go save Aunt Georgia before she burns the kitchen."
Janine laughed and jogged downstairs.
The kitchen smelled like vanilla and cinnamon when she stepped in. Aunt Georgia was standing by the counter, her sleeves rolled up, smiling. "You're just in time, dear. I was beginning to think you two had dozed off."
Janine tied her hair up and reached for an apron. "Nope. Just talking."
"Good. He needs someone to talk to," Aunt Georgia said gently, handing her a bowl of fresh tomatoes.
"Slice these for me, will you?"
They worked together in a quiet rhythm- the kind of domestic peace Janine secretly adored. Aunt Georgia told stories about Alex's childhood as they cooked; about the time he got caught climbing the old tree for a dare, and how she'll bring him little wooden toys he loved.
There was fondness in her tone, but also a note of sadness, like she was remembering a different version of time- one that couldn't be revisited.
By the time they were done, the kitchen smelled heavenly. Roasted chicken, apple pie and buttered rolls sat on the counter. The sky had begun to dim when Aunt Georgia turned to her with a grin.
"Now, I have something for you," she said, disappearing into the hallway and returning with a small black box.
Janine blinked. "For me?"
"Of course. You can't have dinner in what you're wearing love. Try this."
Inside was a sleeveless black gown, simple but stunning. It hugged her waist and flared slightly at the knees. The neckline dipped modestly, and when she touched the fabric, it was soft and cool under her fingers.
"It's beautiful," Janine whispered.
Aunt Georgia's smile deepened. "Go on, try it in the guest room. Let's make the boys regret underestimating our style." She winked.
Janice laughed, taking the dress upstairs.
She stood in the front of the mirror a few minutes later,breath catching slightly.
The gown fit her perfectly. The soft fabric skimmed her skin, and when she turned, the lamplight caught the silver chain around her neck - the one with her mother's pendant. Her hair fell loosely around her shoulders, brushing the small bare space between her neck and collarbone.
For a second, she barely recognized herself. The girl in the mirror looked older. More like someone who belonged in this Mansion of secrets.
A knock at the door startled her. Aunt Georgia peeked in, her eyes lighting up. "My goodness, look at you! You'll knock everyone breathless."
Janine flushed. "You really think so?"
"I know so," she said with a smirk. "Now come on before they start without us."
By the time they came downstairs, the Gabriel dining room was glowing. Candles flickered softly on the long mahogany table, their light reflecting against the crystal glasses and polished silverware. Aunt Georgia had outdone herself.
Lucas Gabriel was already seated at the head of the table with Alex at the right side of him. He looked effortlessly composed,dressed in a simple black shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. The fabric hugged his shoulders and chest in a way that made it hard not to notice how broad he was. His hair - dark, silky, with one stray strand falling across his forehead - caught the light when he turned his head.
He glanced up as we entered. "There you two are," he said in that smooth,calm voice that always sounded like it carried a secret.
Alex raised his head up and his eyes met Janine's. He stood up and walked her to the seat right beside him. "You look stunning," he said.
"Thank you," she whispered while smiling as she settled down.
Dinner began politely enough. Aunt Georgia chatted about the renovations she wanted to make to the garden. Lucas responded with warm amusement, but there was something about him- something too smooth, too controlled - that made Janine feel watched even when he wasn't looking at her.
"So, Janine," Lucas said at one point, his tone casual, eyes meeting hers. "How long have you and Alex been together?"
Janine felt her pulse quicken. "About seven months."
He nodded thoughtfully. "You must be someone special to have lasted this long with my son."
Janine smiled awkwardly. "He's worth it."
Alex gave her a small look- half embarrassed, half grateful.
Aunt Georgia jumped in, telling a story about how Alex once tried to cook her breakfast for Mother's Day and nearly burned the kitchen down. Everyone laughed, even Lucas, whose laughter was rich and smooth, but didn't quite reach his eyes.
Every now and then, Lucas would glance at Alex - curious, maybe even proud- but Alex kept his focus on his plate, shoulders tense.
Janine reached beneath the table, her fingers brushing his hand. He then turned his palm upward, intertwining their fingers quietly.
The small gesture seemed to ground him.
Lucas noticed but said nothing. Instead, he leaned back, wine glass in hand. "It's good to be back," he said softly. "I've missed the sound of family."
Aunt Georgia raised her glass. "To new beginnings then."
They all raised theirs. "To new beginnings."
Janine sipped, the taste of red wine sharp and sweet on her tongue. She tried to shake the strange feeling pressing against her chest- the sense that something beneath this dinner's warmth was shifting, unseen.
Janine's pov
After dinner, I helped Aunt Georgia clear the plates. Alex had gone upstairs, claiming he was tired, and Lucas was on a phone call in the next room.
I carried the last stack of dishes into the kitchen, but as i passed the hallway, i heard his voice. It was quieter now, lower - not the polite tone he used at dinner.
"...I found her," he was saying. "Didn't expect it to be this soon."
My heart stumbled.
I froze by the doorway, every nerve in my body suddenly awake.
There was silence on the other end of his call, and then Lucas's voice again, softer this time. "No. I don't think she knows."
I didn't realize i was holding my breath until the floor creaked beneath me.
Lucas turned, his green eyes finding me immediately.
For a split second, his face was unreadable - then he smiled, calm and effortless. "Everything alright, Janine?"
I swallowed hard, forcing a small smile.
"Y-yeah, i was just helping Aunt Georgia with the dishes."
He nodded slowly. "Good. You should get some rest soon. It's been a long day."
I nodded, backing away. "Goodnight, Mr. Gabriel."
"Lucas," he corrected gently, that faint smile still on his lips. "You can call me Lucas."
And with that I left - heart pounding, mind spinning - wondering what, or who, he had meant when he said he found her.