Chapter 5 Welcome Back Home

Marissa rolled the window down a little, letting the cool breeze brush against her face. Just then, a blue Bugatti sped past-a car so rare and expensive it made heads turn even in this upscale area.

Their black sedan continued through the elegant villa district, where luxurious homes lined the lakeside, each one more impressive than the last.

When the car stopped in front of two neighboring villas, Marissa noticed five men waiting outside. All of them were good-looking, their eyes lighting up the moment they saw her.

"Marissa, welcome home."

The greeting came in perfect unison, warm and full of excitement.

One of the men stepped forward with a welcoming smile and began introducing them one by one. "This is your eldest brother, Marc Curtis. Next is Zachary, your second brother. Then there's Danny, your third brother, and Timothy, your fourth. And as for me," he added with a light grin, "I'm your fifth brother, Andrew."

"Marissa, welcome back home." Marc spread his arms wide, his expression gentle and affectionate.

Before she could respond, Andrew jumped in, wrapping her in a hug. "Hey! I saw her first! The first hug should be mine!"

Marc laughed and shook his head, lowering his arms good-naturedly. Then, his eyes moved past Andrew and landed on Theodore, who had just stepped out of the car. "It's been a while, Theodore," Marc greeted, walking over.

The scene was filled with cheerful energy and warmth, the Curtis brothers happily crowding around their sister. In contrast, Theodore stood quietly to the side, calm and detached, as if the lively atmosphere had nothing to do with him.

"Must've been about half a year since we last met, huh?" Marc said, noticing Theodore's reserved expression. Could it be that Theodore had not said a single word to Marissa during their drive here?

"Marc! Enough small talk!" Andrew interrupted. "The most important thing today is that our sister's finally home! Come on, let's go inside."

Theodore didn't follow them. "I have some matters to take care of," he said simply. "Now that she's here safely, I'll be heading out."

Marc frowned but didn't push further. "Alright then. We'll catch up next time."

Theodore gave a short nod, his eyes flicking briefly toward Marissa. "I'll take my leave now."

Caught off guard, Marissa hesitated, then waved awkwardly. "Oh, okay. Goodbye."

"Come on, Marissa! Mom and Dad are already waiting inside," Andrew said, taking her hand and leading her into the villa.

Just then, a soft, frail voice echoed from inside. "Is... is my daughter back?"

That gentle tone carried both warmth and weakness, followed by a harsh, painful cough that filled the silent hall.

"Quick! Get some water and her medicine!"

The maids, dressed neatly in light brown uniforms, rushed to help, moving quickly and quietly.

Andrew and Marc guided Marissa further into the main hall.

Marc frowned, his tone sharp. "Didn't we agree to wait until we got inside before telling her?"

His words made the butler nearby break into a nervous sweat.

Their mother, Corrine Curtis, took the glass of water from a maid and waved off Marc's concern. Tears glistened in her eyes as she turned her gaze toward Marissa.

The resemblance between her and her sons was unmistakable. The Curtis brothers were undeniably handsome, and their mother's beauty had once been just as breathtaking. In her youth, Corrine had been radiant, like a flower at its peak, and even with the passing years, her charm hadn't faded. There was still a natural grace about her, soft yet dignified, the kind that drew people in effortlessly.

"Marissa!" Corrine's voice trembled, her tears finally spilling over. They rolled down her pale, delicate cheeks as she tried to move the wheelchair herself, too impatient to wait for help.

Marissa stood frozen as the chair slowly came to a stop in front of her.

The air around them seemed to still. Finally, she crouched down, lowering herself to meet the woman's eyes.

Corrine whispered, her voice breaking with emotion, "It's been nineteen years. I've finally found you."