Chapter 30

Cynthia, my mom, hugs me like we have been parted for years, squeezing the absolute life out of me as tears wash down her pretty face. I hug her back awkwardly, a little stiff in her hold, but deep down somewhere inside me is a tug of genuine joy. We’re in the immaculate, beautiful hall of our home in The Hamptons, a place that used to seem like a fairytale castle to me so long ago. The house and family of my dreams, and it had taken an age to accept it as real.

All my bags are sat by the stair as Arrick lingers behind, giving us the space to reacquaint; now, he has delivered my little homecoming speech on my behalf to tearful parents. He’s been my mature and loyal protector, doing the hard things so I don’t have to.

Aiden, my dad, moves Mom aside when she releases me and treats me to the same phenomenal squeeze wordlessly. That large bear hug almost crushes my bones, and for once, the inner repulsion of the male touch does not ignite. The need to have them love me again