The Road To Change

"And you're sure no one’s been bothering her at work?" Liam asked, glancing over at Dandelion as they stood in the hallway, both trying to figure out the reason for their younger sister's strange behavior that morning.

"Liam, I’m her manager. If anyone tried anything, I’d know. Sure, she’s had her moments, but nothing that would cause such a drastic change," Dandelion replied, crossing her arms.

"I found her staring out the window earlier," Liam muttered, his brow furrowing. "She seemed lost, but at the same time... excited? I’ve never seen her like that before."

"I’ll keep a closer eye on her," Dandelion promised, knowing how protective Liam was over Daisy. The youngest Croft sibling had always been Liam’s bottom line, and no one dared cross that line.

"Just promise me—if something comes up, I’m the first person you call," Liam said firmly.

"Do we have a choice?" Dandelion laughed, shaking her head. "Come on, let’s get downstairs before the little wolf devours the entire table."

They descended the stairs only to find Daisy sitting quietly at the dining table, eating her breakfast with an air of calmness that none of them were used to. Normally, she would be bouncing off the walls, causing a ruckus. Even their parents exchanged curious glances as they took their seats.

Once everyone settled, Daisy put down her fork and took a deep breath. "Now that everyone’s here, I’d like to say something." Her voice was steady but soft, drawing everyone's attention. "I... I want to apologize for all the trouble I’ve caused. I know I’ve been a real pain—" she glanced at her mother apologetically—"but I promise to do better. I’m going to make you all proud of me again."

Her mother reached out and took Daisy's hand, squeezing it gently. "Baby, you know we love you, no matter what."

Daisy smiled softly, but there was a trace of sadness in her eyes. "I know, Mum. And I’m grateful. But I think it’s time I start acting my age."

"You’re only eighteen, sweetheart. You’ve got time to figure things out. Besides, your brother’s here to hold the fort for you," her mother added with a chuckle.

This warmth was what Daisy had missed the most. No matter how reckless she had been in her previous life, her family never reprimanded her, never stopped loving her. The weight of that love now pressed down on her, knowing what she had lost before.

"Let her be, Mum," Liam said, smiling at Daisy. "She’s old enough to make her own decisions."

"Thank you, brother," Daisy replied, her smile growing as she looked at him.

"Eat up," Liam said, standing. "I’ll drop you off on my way to work."

"But we’re not heading in the same direction," Daisy said, raising an eyebrow.

"I have a client near your set," he said casually, though Daisy knew he was making an excuse to keep an eye on her.

"I’m going to get dressed. It’s going to be a long day," Daisy said, standing up. She could barely control the rush of emotions surging through her.

"Oh, sweetie, don’t forget to call Louis after work," her mother said. "I know you don’t like him, but—"

"I have a date with him today, Mum," Daisy interrupted.

"You what?!" Dandelion exclaimed, her voice filled with disbelief. Everyone knew how much Daisy hated being associated with Louis.

"We planned a date today. I... I want to make things right." But deep down, Daisy knew Louis had asked her out to end things once and for all.

"I won’t lose you again, Louis," she mumbled to herself as she made her way to her room.

---

"And... cut! The movie is finally complete," the director announced as Daisy finished the last scene of her debut film. She couldn’t believe she had landed the lead role on her first try. Others called it luck, but Daisy knew Louis was the one pulling the strings behind the scenes.

He had always supported her, even when she had been too blind to see it, when she had gutted his heart and left him standing in the cold. She felt a familiar ache in her chest, knowing how much pain she had caused him.

After leaving the set, Daisy hailed a cab and made her way to Five Aromas Restaurant. Louis had asked her to meet him there once she was done filming.

"Reservation under Louis Grant, please," she said to the receptionist, who blinked in surprise.

The receptionist stared at her for a moment before recovering. "Room 10 in the east wing, Miss Croft."

"Thank you," Daisy said as she boarded the elevator. She could feel the receptionist’s stunned gaze follow her, probably wondering what had gotten into her.

Daisy took a deep breath as she stood outside the door, whispering under her breath, "Please, give me strength."

She opened the door and saw Louis standing by the window, gazing out at the city. He looked as distant and aloof as ever, yet there was something comforting about his presence.

Without a word, she walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against his back. "I missed you, Louis," she whispered.

Louis turned, a small smile playing on his lips as he held her close. "Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?" he asked with a quiet chuckle.

Daisy smiled softly, her heart aching. "I just realized how much I love you.