As the door to the living room swung open, Sofia stepped inside, her posture regal and controlled. Her movements were deliberate, as if she had already prepared herself for whatever awaited her within these walls. Mateo followed closely behind, his eyes scanning the room warily, fully aware of the tension hanging in the air. Rodrigo,straightened up immediately and turned to face her, an ever-present mask of calmness on his face.
“Sofia,” Rodrigo greeted smoothly, offering a charming smile. “I didn’t expect to see you back so soon, after everything that happened today. You’ve certainly stirred up quite a storm.” He stepped toward her, though his words were laced with a subtle, calculating edge. “But I’m sure you handled those reporters just fine. You always were good at... presenting yourself.”
Sofia, holding her gaze steady, let his words wash over her without reacting. She’d learned long ago that with Rodrigo, it was best to ignore the surface pleasantries. Beneath the calm was a keen manipulator, someone who could twist any situation to his advantage. But Sofia knew better. She had played this game with him once before.
"Thank you, Uncle Rodrigo," Sofia replied with polite indifference, her tone betraying none of the anger she’d felt earlier. "I trust it was a very productive day here, with everything under control."
Rodrigo's smile only widened as he took a step back, his hands clasped behind his back as if he were lecturing her. "Of course. Everything is always under control," he said smoothly, a practiced warmth in his voice. "We simply want what's best for the family... and for you, Sofia." His eyes flicked to Mateo, giving a nod of acknowledgment. "Welcome back, Mateo. I trust you’ve been looking after your sister in this... newfound adventure of hers."
Mateo, who had been silent until now, gave a small nod of agreement. He, too, understood the dynamics of the Montero family all too well. But he didn’t share the same tolerance for games that Sofia did. His eyes narrowed slightly, sizing up Rodrigo, before glancing at Sofia.
Sofia’s smile was a mask, but her eyes spoke volumes. She knew exactly what Rodrigo was trying to do. His fake concern, the faux warmth, it was all part of his method to ensure control. But she wasn’t falling for it. Not this time.
She let the silence linger for a moment, her gaze meeting Rodrigo's without flinching. “I’m sure you’re doing well, Uncle," she said with a calculated edge.
Rodrigo, looked up at her, his eyes flickering with the briefest moment of contempt before he masked it. "You think this is a game, don’t you, Sofia?” he asked, his tone icily calm. “This isn’t about you parading in front of the press. It’s about the future of this family and its legacy."
“I know exactly what it’s about, uncle," Sofia said, her voice firm and unwavering. "And if anyone understands the weight of carrying a family name, it's me.” Her words were sharp, cutting through the tension. “I’ve been carrying the Montero legacy for years while you’ve all been too busy to see it. The world isn’t waiting for you to decide how to play the game, and neither am I."
Rodrigo, ever the opportunist, smirked ever so slightly, leaning casually against the wall
“I’ve worked hard for everything I have,” she continued, her voice cool as she glanced around the room. “I made sure that the name Montero meant something even when I wasn’t here. But don’t mistake my strength for arrogance. I came back to help. So, let’s stop pretending like I don’t belong here, because I do.”
Rodrigo observed her in silence, though his eyes glinted with amusement. He had no intention of letting Sofia gain too much ground, he intended to push her until she faltered. But for now, he would watch his father break her
“Well said, Sofia,” he added smoothly, now the picture of diplomacy. “It’s exactly this determination that makes you worthy of your place, even if the transition is... difficult for some of us to accept." He tilted his head, his voice smooth as honey, adding just enough veiled critique to make his statement sting. Mateo swallowed from where he was standing "But nothing worth having comes without a little struggle, right?”
Sofia’s lips pressed into a thin smile. She wasn’t fooled. But she wasn’t ready to show all her cards either.
“As always, Uncle,” she replied quietly, “I’ll be sure to take that into account.”
With that, she turned towards the stairs, Mateo following close behind her. Neither of them said another word as they exited the living room, leaving a charged silence behind them. Rodrigo watched them go, a cold smile playing on his lips.
But deep down, he knew that Sofia wasn’t just a pawn in this game. She was playing with her own hand. And it was only a matter of time before the Montero family’s power dynamics began to shift, one way or another.
•••••
Sofia walked into her room, her movements sharp and deliberate, a mixture of anger and exhaustion clouding her thoughts. She scoffed quietly as she thought about her uncle’s fake sincerity. His words lingered, grating on her nerves, but she had learned long ago not to let him, or anyone, get to her. Not now. Not anymore.
Her eyes instinctively turned to the old family photo hanging on the wall. It was a black-and-white picture taken years ago, of a small, happy family. There she was, a five-year-old child, beaming in her parents' arms. Mateo, older and protective, stood by their side. They were happy then, before the accident that shattered everything. The memories came rushing back, memories of her mother’s laughter, her father’s comforting voice. The world had seemed perfect then.
Sofia stared at the picture for a moment, a heavy ache tightening in her chest. She ran her fingers along the frame, feeling the coolness of it, the weight of the past pulling her down. The tears she had tried to hold back finally fell, warm and uninvited.
If they were here, this fight wouldn’t be like this, she thought. She could almost hear her mother’s voice, soothing and wise, telling her how to handle the situation, how to stand firm, how to not let anyone tear her apart. But she wasn’t there. Neither of them was.
Mateo, her big brother, the one who had promised to protect her, was strong, at least on the surface. But she knew his heart. He was weaker than anyone realized. He could smile in front of the world, take control when he had to, but the pressure always took a toll on him. She had to be strong for both of them. It had always been that way since they lost their parents.
Her vision blurred with the tears as she sat down on the sofa. She wasn’t sure when she drifted off to sleep, but the softness of the cushion and the familiar feeling of home lulled her into an almost peaceful rest, something she hadn’t felt in so long.
Mateo stood by the door to Sofia’s room, he just finished taking a bath and decided to check her up. He froze when he saw her lying on the couch, curled into herself, her face streaked with the tear stains she hadn’t wiped away. A wave of guilt hit him, he had promised to protect her, but now she looked so vulnerable, overwhelmed by everything that had happened, and it broke him to see her like this.
He stepped inside softly, his Crocs barely making a sound on the polished floor. His gaze softened, taking in her fragile form, and for a moment, he hesitated. He had his own burdens to bear, but he could never ignore his sister’s pain. The weight of the world, the expectations, the family rivalry, it was too much for her to handle alone.
Quietly, he approached her, his hand hovering near her shoulder as if unsure. But he knew what he had to do. He knelt by the sofa, gently lifting her into his arms. She didn’t stir, her face still relaxed in sleep, even if it was troubled sleep. Her body felt small in his arms, as if the world itself were pressing down on her, draining the life out of her spirit.
He carried her to her bed, careful not to wake her, and lay her down slowly. Pulling the blanket up to her shoulders, he smoothed a strand of hair away from her face. His heart tightened in his chest as he saw the vulnerability in her, the weight of everything she carried alone.
Sofia stirred slightly, letting out a small sigh in her sleep, and for a moment, Mateo felt that unspoken bond between them, the connection that only siblings could understand.
He stood there for a few moments, just watching her sleep, his eyes lingering on her calm face. The anxiety he had carried since their parents' death, the pressure of the Montero legacy weighing on both their shoulders, it all seemed so much heavier in that moment. But he would never let her know how much it hurt. He would never let her see his weaknesses, just like he knew she hid hers.
She’s so strong, Mateo thought quietly, watching over her. But maybe... she doesn’t have to be all the time. Maybe it’s okay to let her rest sometimes.
And with that thought, he stepped quietly out of the room, leaving the door slightly ajar, just in case she woke.
As he stepped away from her room and closed the door gently behind him, a deep ache bloomed in his chest, a familiar, gnawing discomfort. He knew Sofia was the one who would carry most of the burden of their family's survival. She always had. But for all his promises to protect her, he could never escape the pressure to fulfill the impossible expectations placed on him.
His own doubts, his own fears, had always been buried beneath the smile he showed the world. In front of their employees, in front of their family, he was the steadfast leader, the strong older brother who would steer them to victory. But behind closed doors, alone in the quiet of his room or walking the halls of the family estate, the weight was crushing.
He had never admitted it to anyone, but it was exhausting to pretend all the time, to hold up the facade that he was invulnerable. Mateo wasn’t made for this world of cutthroat business and constant warfare. He had never been as ruthless as their grandfather. He didn't have the coldness that their uncle, Rodrigo, possessed. He simply didn’t have what it took to make the harsh decisions, to sever ties, to crush the competition without a second thought.
Mateo sat on the edge of his own bed, his hands pressed against his temples as he tried to release the tension in his mind. He looked at the family photo hanging above his dresser, the same one Sofia had been staring at earlier. The image of their parents, so full of life and hope. The life they could’ve had. He closed his eyes tightly, trying to block out the memory, but it was impossible.
The responsibility, his responsibility, had been thrust upon him long before Sofia was even old enough to understand. Their parents’ car accident had stolen so much from them, not just the warmth of their love but the foundations of a legacy that Mateo was struggling to keep intact. And now, even with Sofia returning, he could see the cracks beginning to form.
His thoughts drifted back to that moment, when their grandfather had expressed his frustration with Sofia’s return. That look in his eyes, the cold fury in his words, Mateo knew how Emilio felt. Having a female heir was considered an embarrassment by their patriarch. But Mateo knew Sofia could handle it. She wasn’t just an heir because of blood; she had built the family name herself in Europe, proving that she was strong and capable.
But Mateo feared what that meant for him. If the family became more centered around Sofia and her vision, what place did that leave for him? He wasn’t meant to be a businessman, not in the way their grandfather or even Rodrigo were. Sofia, in her own way, was better suited for the fight that lay ahead. She had proven it with every step she took, everything she had done for the company while he stayed behind in the shadows.
“Am I just a placeholder?” Mateo whispered to the empty room, his voice barely audible.
The question lingered in the air, unanswered. And though he tried to ignore it, the truth was clear. He had always been the safe choice, the gentle hand for those who needed someone to lean on. But as his family’s future loomed ahead, he couldn’t help but question his role. Was he destined to be nothing more than the figurehead, quiet, compliant, but ultimately powerless?
The weight of expectation, the pressure to be someone he was not, was suffocating. He clenched his fists at his sides, trying to silence the feeling that his mind wasn’t his own, that every move he made was choreographed by those who didn’t truly understand him. The Montero name carried power, yes, but at what cost? He felt as if he was losing himself in a world that demanded so much more than he was able to give.
After a long pause, he sighed and lay down in the bed. He stared at the ceiling, his eyes tracing the edges of the shadows. He wondered what kind of man he was becoming. A man who could smile through the chaos, maintain control, pretend he had it all figured out. But when it was just him, when the world outside ceased to exist for a moment... the truth came crashing in.
He glanced at his phone, his finger poised. There were too many times he had avoided calls, too many moments he had ignored the realization that someone like Adam would always be the stronger choice, someone who could lead with the ruthlessness that Mateo lacked.
He exhaled, the truth weighed heavily on him, there was no easy way out of this. He would have to keep pretending, just like always. He would have to continue the fight, continue to do whatever it took to make sure Sofia and the Montero name weren’t crushed under the weight of failure. But deep down, he wasn’t sure how much longer he could bear the pressure.
In the silence of his room, Mateo let the exhaustion swallow him. To him the carastrophe was yet to come
The day of the grand Worldwide CEO Meet Gala had finally arrived, a highly anticipated event that gathered the world’s most powerful business minds under one roof. The gala wasn't just an event; it was an unspoken battlefield of power, influence, and style. This year, it was hosted at the prestigious Le Grand Luxe Hotel, its opulence unmatched.Sofia Montero stepped out of her hotel room, her heels clicking softly against the marble floors as she met Mateo in the corridor. Dressed in an elegant, shimmering emerald gown that hugged her figure perfectly, Sofia looked every bit the heiress she was born to be. Her hair was swept into a sleek bun with loose tendrils framing her face, her makeup minimal but flawlessly enhancing her natural features.Mateo adjusted his suit, a proud yet nervous smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He had always known Sofia was striking, but tonight, she truly embodied the strength and poise of a Montero. They were here to make an impression, and Sofia w
As Adam stepped out of Sofia’s room, the hallway felt colder, quieter. He shut the door softly behind him, leaning against the wall for a brief moment. His pulse was steady, his exterior calm, but something about the encounter had unsettled him in a way he couldn’t quite articulate.It wasn’t unusual for him to find himself in moments of moral dilemma, he had been raised to see the world as a chessboard, where emotions only complicated the game. And yet tonight, against his better judgment, he had intervened.He began walking back toward his own room, his long strides deliberate, the clicking of his polished shoes the only sound in the hushed corridor. As he reached his door and stepped inside, he paused, his sharp blue eyes catching his reflection in the large mirror that adorned the wall.What had compelled him to stop? Why couldn’t he simply walk past, as he usually would when people acted foolishly at events like this? Sofia Montero was a Montero. Her name alone was reason enough
The morning sun filtered through the grand hotel windows, casting a warm golden glow over the corridors. The air was buzzing with anticipation as CEOs and noblemen alike prepared for the pivotal keynote presentations of the year. This was no ordinary morning; reputations would be solidified, alliances formed, and the award for the most influential CEO would soon be claimed.Adam Kavanaugh adjusted his tie as he stepped out of his suite. His mind was a maze of strategy and focus. He wasn’t just walking into a hall; he was stepping onto his battlefield, determined to win for the fourth year in a row.As he turned the corner leading toward the large conference hall, his footsteps halted. Sofia Montero stood by the elevator, waiting, a vision that seemed to momentarily steal the air from his lungs. She was clad in an elegant yet fierce crimson suit, tailored perfectly to her, her confident aura commanding attention despite the vulnerability he’d glimpsed last night.Their eyes met.It was
Sofia glides through the cold water, her strokes swift, a desperate attempt to drown the thoughts swirling in her head, she had just spoken to Mateo, his frustration, his pains, though hidden behind a smile at the gala was visible to her, she could feel his pain as if it were her own, and she had done her best to encourage him, reminding him that their worth wasn't defined by awards, but it was exhausting to keep herself strong for both of them.Swimming always helped her clear her head, it was her solace, her escape.A quiet rustling from behind reached her as she reached the edge of the pool, turning her head, she froze. A tall figure stood at the edge silhouetted against the light…Adam Kavanaugh.“ What are you doing here,are you now stalking me?” Sofia's voice cut through the silence as she stared at him, water dripping from her hairAdam crouched at the edge of the pool, an amused smirk playing on his lips,”Relax, I am not stalking you and as for what I am doing here……I came to c
Adam rested his forehead against Sofia's, his hands holding her tightly as if letting her go would shatter the fragile moment between them. He noticed the glimmer of a tear that slipped down her cheek, and something inside him clenched.“Sofia,” he said softly, wiping her tear away with his thumb, “why are you crying?”She pulled away slightly, her hands trembling as they pressed against his chest. “I’m not supposed to do this,” she whispered, her voice cracking with guilt. “This… this isn’t right.”Adam cupped her face gently, his dark eyes searching hers. “Who decides what’s right and what’s wrong, Sofia?”Her heart ached at his words, her emotions betraying the walls she had spent years building. “Our families,” she said, her voice barely audible. “The rivalry, the expectations. We... we can’t.”“You think I care about that?” he said firmly, his voice deep and steady. “Do you think any of that matters to me when it comes to you?”Sofia looked up at him, her gaze conflicted. “You do
It was another day, but Adam was far from himself. The usually sharp, confident CEO moved through his routine with a quiet, almost unsettling calm. No witty remarks, no trademark smirks, just a hollow aloofness that didn’t go unnoticed.Ryan, perceptive as ever, cornered him after work, trailing him to his suite.“What’s up with you?” Ryan asked, closing the door behind him. “You’ve been off for days. Not that I mind the peace and quiet, but this? This isn’t you.”Adam, sitting on the edge of his bed, simply shook his head. “I’m fine, Ryan. Just tired.”Ryan crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. “Yeah, sure. And I’m next in line to inherit the Montero fortune. Spill it, Adam.”Adam gave him a pointed look, but his voice was steady. “I said I’m fine.”Ryan studied him for a moment longer but decided to drop it. “Alright, suit yourself. But whatever it is, you know you can talk to me.” He patted his brother on the shoulder before leaving the room.As soon as Ryan was gone, Adam le
By evening, the hospital was a storm of flashing cameras and shouting reporters, all waiting outside with one goal, to get a statement from Ryan Kavanaugh. The parking lot swarmed with press cars, microphones, and eager journalists desperate for a scoop.Inside, Ryan paced the corridor near Grace's ward, his jaw clenched in frustration. He hadn't anticipated the extent of the media frenzy and now realized his mistake in coming alone without his usual security team. The hospital staff had done their best to keep the reporters outside, but even they were struggling to contain the chaos.Anna sat nervously in one of the chairs, clutching her phone tightly. She felt out of place amidst the turmoil surrounding Ryan. "I didn’t expect this. What are you going to do?" she asked, glancing up at him with worry.Ryan stopped pacing and sighed deeply. "I didn’t think it would blow up this much. They’ll twist anything I say right now to make it worse."Anna hesitated, then stood."Can’t you call s
Ryan stretched as he woke, his neck stiff from sleeping upright in the uncomfortable hospital chair. Across the room, Anna stirred from the blanket she used on the second bed. The quiet shuffle of feet and the subtle creak of the door opening caused them both to turn.The doctor entered, clipboard in hand, a soft smile lighting his weary face. “Good morning,” he greeted, moving to check Grace’s vitals. After a thorough examination, he turned to Anna. “She’s stable, and I expect she’ll wake up before evening. She’s a fighter.” then he leftRelief washed over Anna as she sighed deeply, her shoulders relaxing. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice hoarse from the previous day's emotional toll.Anna quickly moved to Grace’s bedside, carefully adjusting the little girl's blanket and cleaning her face with a damp cloth. Her movements were tender and precise, every touch filled with love.Ryan walked to them and leaned against the wall, his gaze locked on Anna. There was something about he
Seven Months Later……The hospital room was filled with warmth and laughter, the air humming with quiet joy. Sofia lay in bed, exhausted but glowing, cradling one of her newborn twins while Adam held the other. Their tiny faces, soft and delicate, were a perfect blend of their parents, small miracles wrapped in blankets of blue and pink.Tears welled in Sofia’s eyes as she watched Adam, his usual composure shattered by the overwhelming love he felt for their children. His strong hands, always steady, now trembled as he traced a gentle finger over their daughter's cheek.“They’re perfect,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.Sofia smiled, nodding. “They really are.”The door opened, and in poured their family, faces lit with excitement, voices hushed in reverence for the two little lives that had just entered the world. Grandma Valerie gasped, pressing a hand to her mouth, while Gregory Kavanaugh clapped him on the shoulder, pride shining in his eyes.“Oh, my sweet girl,” Aunt M
"Oh no! The fish!"A sudden sizzle and a sharp, burnt smell filled the air.Adam and Sofia pulled apart, eyes wide in horror as they turned toward the fire. Smoke curled from the skewered fish they had been cooking, now completely blackened and charred beyond saving.For a moment, there was silence. Then…..They both burst into laughter.Adam ran a hand down his face, shaking his head. "Well… there goes dinner."Sofia giggled, leaning into him. "At least we have coconuts?"Adam groaned dramatically. "I never want to see another coconut again."Sofia laughed harder, and Adam couldn't help but smile as he watched her. Even in the middle of nowhere, even after everything they had been through, she was still his sunshine. And as long as they had each other, they would find a way to survive.*********Ellie sat on the lavish couch, her eyes glued to the television screen as the news played on repeat. The reporters stood by the ocean, their faces grim, helicopters hovering in the sky as dive
Few hours later, Adam managed to get two small fishes from the ocean, he knew some basic survival skills so he out then to use, from the cave he got two stones and made a fire, his grandma had showed him this trick when he was young, who would have thought he would need that knowledge now, like the saying goes, no knowledge is a waste.Sofia was amazed and couldn't keep shut “ how did you do that, please teach me” “ Alright, but not today” he replied The fire crackled softly in the quiet of the evening, casting flickering shadows against the cave walls. The salty breeze from the ocean mixed with the earthy scent of the jungle, but Sofia barely noticed any of it.She sat close to Adam, her hands clenched in her lap, struggling to find the right words. Her throat felt tight, and guilt weighed heavily on her chest. She had been holding back for so long, but now, in this isolated place with nowhere to hide, she couldn't keep it in anymore.She took a shaky breath and whispered, "Mi Rey
Next Morning:::Despite the relentless efforts of Adam's men, there was still no sign of him or Sofia. Hours had passed, turning into a painful stretch of time, and the search party seemed to grow more frantic with each minute. Daniel paced back and forth, frustration clouding his normally composed demeanor. His gaze constantly flicked to the horizon, as if hoping the impossible would happen, that Adam and Sofia would rise from the water, safe, unharmed. But no. Nothing. He got the news that few hours after he left thei house, Sofia was taken and now the where both missing underwater.Lily, standing by Daniel’s side, had her hand pressed to her mouth, tears staining her cheeks. The cold breeze did little to numb the pain she felt, as her mind kept replaying the horror of hearing the news of Adam and Sofia’s disappearance.At the shoreline, Mateo, Ryan, Gad, Diana, Anna, and even Grandma Valerie and Aunt Melda had just arrived that morning, the news of Adam and Sofia’s vanishing pullin
“Sofia!” His voice was deep and urgent as he strode further into the room, his eyes darting around for any sign of her.A cold wave of dread rushed through him.His breathing became heavy, and his mind sharpened with the familiar rush of adrenaline. He had felt this before, back in Khalidan when threats lurked in the shadows, waiting to strike. His hands clenched into fists as he forced himself to think. Stay calm. Find her.Adam moved swiftly, checking the closet, the bathroom, anywhere she could have gone inside the room. Nothing. No sign of struggle. No trace of her.His jaw tightened as he stormed to the balcony, his sharp gaze sweeping over the vast landscape. The moon cast a silver glow over the property, illuminating the gardens, the pool, and the long runway where their jet had landed. Everything looked peaceful. Too peaceful.And then he saw it.Near the tree line, just beyond the main house, movement. A shadow disappeared behind the thick foliage, and something inside Adam
Ellie stepped out of her sleek black car, her heels clicking against the pavement as she strode confidently toward Rodrigo’s mansion. The late afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the grand estate, but the tension in the air was anything but warm.Just as she reached the entrance, the gates slowly opened, revealing Rodrigo’s car rolling forward. He was about to drive off when she stepped directly in front of the vehicle, forcing him to slam the brakes.Rodrigo let out a low growl of frustration before stepping out of the car, his sharp gaze raking over her. His lips curled into a smirk. "Well, well… I wasn’t expecting you to be out so soon. Guess Adam’s not as ruthless as he pretends to be."Ellie tilted her head slightly, mirroring his smirk. "You underestimated me, Rodrigo. That was your first mistake."Rodrigo scoffed, crossing his arms. "And what exactly am I supposed to be afraid of? A girl who wasted years obsessing over a man who never wanted her?" He leaned in slightly, his vo
Rodrigo stepped into his house, exhausted from his four-day business trip. He kept nodding slowly to the greetings of the Servants in the house as he walked inside. Exhausted ,He rolled his shoulders, eager to take a shower and collapse into bed beside his wife, Vanessa. It had been four long days he had heard from her or seen her. He left her in a hurry as he was the only one left to represent the Montero's in finalizing the business deal abroad,his son George was taking care of the company since Emilio denied Mateo access to the company.But as he climbed the stairs, something felt off. A faint noise, A soft moan, His brows furrowed. The bedroom door was slightly ajar, and dim light spilled into the hallway. Slowly, Rodrigo stepped closer, his heartbeat quickening.And then he saw it.His wife, Vanessa, sitting on top of another man, moaning loudly as she rode on himHis breath hitched, his grip tightening on his suitcase handle. For a moment, he stood frozen, unable to believe his
As they stepped inside, the grandeur of the estate’s interior unfolded before them. The foyer was vast and elegant, with high vaulted ceilings adorned with a grand crystal chandelier that shimmered like captured starlight. The walls were a smooth combination of white marble and warm oak paneling, complementing the polished black and gold accents that ran throughout the space.A massive spiral staircase with intricate wrought-iron railings curved upward to the second floor. To the left, a sunken living room stretched out, its floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering an uninterrupted view of the ocean and garden. Plush, cream-colored sofas were arranged around a sleek fireplace, and a grand piano stood in the corner, its black lacquered surface gleaming under the soft lighting.Sofia walked in slowly, taking everything in. Her heels clicked softly against the Italian marble floors, and a subtle floral fragrance filled the air, likely from the fresh orchids and lilies decorating the space.
Despite the news of their wedding spreading like wildfire, Adam and Sofia remained unbothered. They had each other, and that was all that mattered.The next morning, Mateo, Ryan, Anna, and little Grace arrived at the Kavanaugh Airport to see them off. The private airport, owned by the Kavanaugh family, was quiet at this hour, ensuring a discreet departure.Before the flight, everyone sat together for breakfast in one of the airport’s private lounges. The mood was warm and heartfelt, though there was an unspoken heaviness in the air.Sofia glanced around the table, taking in the faces of the people she loved. She was happy, truly happy, but that didn’t mean saying goodbye was easy.When it was finally time to leave, little Grace ran up to Sofia, wrapping her small arms tightly around her waist."Aunty Sofia, please bring back my little cousins when they are born. I want to be the first to carry them!" she demanded, her innocent eyes shining with excitement.Laughter erupted around them