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CHAPTER 2 Cavin Returns

Cavin's Pov.

The drive back to the mansion felt like stepping into another life; one I'd left behind years ago. My fingers tightened on the steering wheel as the familiar gates came into view, their iron bars looking just as imposing as I remembered. It had been years since I'd last passed through them, but now, everything felt strangely the same. Nostalgic, almost.

I pulled into the driveway, staring up at the towering facade of the house. The lights were on inside, casting a warm glow that spilled out onto the perfectly manicured lawn. The thought of finally being back here, surrounded by family, should have filled me with comfort, but all I felt was a gnawing sense of uncertainty. Maybe, because I was returning after so long.

I'd spent the last decade building my life, my career with Son Industries, far away from here. Now, stepping back into this world felt like reopening a door I'd long since closed. But David, my brother, my only family, had called, and I couldn't refuse. He and Noya had always welcomed me like I belonged to them, and deep down, I knew I did. This was home, whether I liked it or not.

I grabbed my suitcase and stepped out of the car, the crunch of gravel under my feet the only sound in the still night. As I approached the front door, memories flooded back—dinners with David and Noya, lazy weekends on the porch, and Eliza. She'd always been the chirpy one, the girl who would sit on the edge of conversations, observing and fully engaging. It had been years since I'd seen her, and I wondered how much she'd changed.

The door opened before I could knock, and David stood there, his broad smile lighting up the night.

"Cavin, finally!" His voice was filled with warmth, and before I knew it, he was pulling me into a tight hug. Hugs from David were rare, but it felt like warmth.

"It's good to see you, David," I said, patting his back before stepping inside.

The house smelled like cinnamon, and my stomach growled at the familiar scent of home-cooked food. Noya appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel, her face lighting up when she saw me.

"Cavin! You made it," she exclaimed, rushing forward to hug me. "We've been waiting all evening."

"Careful!" David exclaimed, seeing her almost stumble toward me. He would never forget being possessive toward his wife.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," I replied, my voice low and sincere. "It's good to be back."

"Hey, you forgot about me?" Natalie barged into the mansion beside me and held my arm with a possessive grip. I totally forgot about her being beside me. I would have never come back if it weren't for her coercing me into coming here.

A kiss of power and obsession was passed on my cheeks as I kissed her back and introduced her to both. "This is Natalie Dimitri, my fiancée." The words escaped my mouth loud and powerful, making her lean on my arm, her cat-like eyes assessing everyone around. A silence followed after my words as I waited for him to say something.

David's face broke into a wide grin. "Fiancée? Cavin, that's amazing!" He stepped forward, pulling Natalie into a welcoming hug. "It's so nice to meet you, Natalie. Welcome to our family!"

Noya joined in, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Yes! Welcome, dear. We're thrilled to have you. You must tell us all about how you two met."

As Natalie smiled proudly, holding my arm, I glanced at Eliza. She gulped nervously, her expression shifting as she watched the enthusiastic welcome. The warmth radiating from my family toward Natalie was palpable, and it filled me with relief.

"Thank you so much," Natalie said, her voice smooth as she returned their affection. "I've heard so much about you both."

David's excitement was infectious as he began chatting with Natalie, asking her questions about her life and interests. Noya interjected with her own questions, and soon they were all laughing and sharing stories. I stood back for a moment, watching how easily my family embraced her. It was a relief to see her fitting in so well.

The laughter faded into comfortable conversation, and I felt a warmth spread through me. My family was finally accepting the woman I loved, and it felt like the first step toward blending our lives together.

After dinner, when David and Noya had retreated to the living room, Eliza and I were left alone in the kitchen. I leaned against the counter, watching her as she washed the dishes in silence.

"You don't have to do that," I said, breaking the awkward quiet.

She didn't look at me. "It's fine. I don't mind."

I frowned. This wasn't the Eliza I remembered. Something had changed in her, and I wasn't sure what it was.

"Eliza, are you okay?" I asked, stepping closer.

For a second, I saw a flicker of something in her eyes—fear, maybe—but she quickly masked it, nodding. "I'm fine, Uncle Cavin."

Her voice was polite, distant, and it bothered me more than it should have. We'd always been close when she was younger, but now it felt like there was a wall between us.

I wanted to say something, to ask her why she was acting this way, but I held back. Maybe it was just the shock of seeing me after so many years. Maybe she needed time to adjust.

"I've missed being here," I said quietly, hoping to ease the tension.

She paused for a moment, her hands still in the soapy water. "We've missed you too," she replied, though her tone lacked the warmth I'd expected.

I didn't push any further. Instead, I let the silence hang between us as she finished the dishes. There was something going on with Eliza, something she wasn't telling me, but I knew better than to force it. I would give her space, let her come to me when she was ready.

But as I watched her retreat up the stairs later that night, I couldn't shake the feeling that whatever was bothering her had something to do with me.

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