Chapter 5

The transatlantic flight carried me eastward, the sun painting ever changing portraits outside my window. Brilliant azure skies gave way to rolling clouds tinged with gold, a canvas of nature’s finest work

Inspiration struck suddenly, and I pulled out my sketchpad, capturing the ethereal play of light in a n jewelry design.

By the time I finished, darkness had claimed the sky.

There was something magical about crossing the Atlantic – a time traveler’s journey where I left New York on the morning of the 27th only to land in London on the night of the 26th.

Through the arrivals gate, I spotted them immediately – Mum, Dad, and William standing in a row,

beaming and waving like excited children at a parade.

The sight of them made my heart squeeze.

I ran to them, wheeling designer luggage forgotten as I fell into Mum’s embrace, breathing in her familiar perfume – Chanel No. 5, just as she’d worn all my life.

-Eight years ago, I’d defied their wishes and moved to New York for university, chasing what I’d thought

was love.

let me go,

Christmas visits, a daughter’s absence marked by empty chairs at

back from

“Mum, I’m starving.”

you home, darling.” She cupped my face, her eyes soft with maternal concern. “Tll make your favorite – shepherd’s

“Perfect.”

walked to the car park, our

terminal.

Chapter 5

penthouse, Castro faced a

repeatedly calling a number he knew wouldn’t

set a reminder for my birthday – August 27th. This morning, the alert had woken him in Oriana’s guest room, the familiar chime cutting through his dreams.

been to head to Whole Foods, to buy ingredients for

planned.

ordered months ago was still hidden in

breakfast, limping slightly, had given him pause. After all, I still

couldn’t understand it. I’d always been the reasonable one why was I

half the day restlessly checking his phone at Oriana’s, he finally

stepped into the penthouse, he felt like he’d walked into a stranger’s home. He actually stepped back

reverted to its pre–Aveline state- stark, minimalist, cold.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255