On your 22nd birthday, your uncle discovered your diary, a careless mistake that turned your world upside down. Within its pages, he found your most private secret forbidden feelings for him.

His reaction was swift and unforgiving. Without addressing the matter, he arranged for you to be sent abroad, severing all ties. To ensure no whispers arose, he spent a fortune on a grand wedding to Melissa, his long-time love. At the airport, as you prepared to leave, he delivered a cold, cutting warning. "Never have inappropriate thoughts again."

That was the last time you saw him until now.

Five years later, you returned, clutching a small child close to your chest. The sight of you at the arrival gate froze him, his sharp eyes narrowing as they flicked to the toddler.

"Is this yours?" he asked, his voice steady but lined with disbelief.

You gave a calm, measured smile, though your heart raced. "Yes," you replied softly, adjusting the child on your hip. "I just finished my postpartum recovery."

Memories from the last week flooded your mind as you sat on the plane, dazed by the whirlwind of events. When he exiled you, you thought the door back home was permanently closed. After all, his parting words had been clear: "In this lifetime, you better never appear in front of me again."

Yet, it was Orion who orchestrated your return. He had sent an invitation to his and Melissa’s wedding anniversary celebration, going so far as to book your plane ticket himself. Refusal hadn’t been an option.

The journey home had been exhausting, with long layovers and sleepless hours. By the time the plane landed, your son Blake had fallen asleep in your arms. As you stepped off, his small voice broke the silence.

"Mommy, my feet hurt," he whimpered, his eyes glistening with tears.

Your heart ached as you gently picked him up.

The phone buzzed a second time, relentless, you sighed and relented.

His voice, cold and impersonal, came through the line. "Are you out of the airport? I sent an assistant to pick you up."