Aurora's POV “Finally, you decided to come home.” That was the first thing my mother said when she opened the door. “Welcome home, darling.” I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Three years in LA, and she still knew exactly how to make “welcome home” sound like an accusation. “Hi, Mom.” I kissed her cheek and dragged my suitcase into the living room. The house looked the same. It smelled like lavender, her favorite air freshener, and everything felt frozen in time. Same beige couches. Same family photos on the mantel, though now a few unfamiliar faces had been added. People I was still learning to call family. “How’s LA?” she asked, closing the door behind me. “Good.” I exhaled, already tired. My gaze drifted past her and landed on my stepfather, leaning against the kitchen doorway with a mug of coffee in hand. “Hey, Aurora.” He lifted his cup. “Good to have you around.” “Thanks.” I nodded, smiling politely, my attention already sliding past him, toward the kitchen, the hall
Last Updated : 2026-10-06 Read more