Chapter 9 - THE BOY WHO FINALLY CAME HOME
Ethan arrived at the estate on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
He wore jeans, a dark jacket, and work boots.
He looked uncomfortable standing beneath the enormous front entrance.
I met him at the door.
"Hi. I'm Clara."
He smiled nervously.
"Ethan."
"Come in."
He glanced around.
"This place is ridiculous."
I laughed.
"Sometimes."
Evelyn was waiting in the sitting room.
When Ethan entered, she stood slowly.
He stopped.
For a moment, neither moved.
Then Evelyn whispered:
"You look like Daniel."
Ethan's face changed.
"You knew my dad?"
She nodded.
"Yes."
He swallowed.
"Did he know about me?"
Evelyn began crying.
"He loved you."
Ethan looked away.
She continued.
"He wanted you to have a better life than he did."
Ethan's eyes filled.
"Then why was I alone?"
Evelyn reached for him.
"Because we failed you."
The honesty broke something in him.
He crossed the room.
And hugged her.
Julian watched from the doorway.
His eyes were wet.
I stood beside him.
He whispered:
"I should have known."
I looked at him.
"You were a child when most of this began."
He shook his head.
"But I could have asked more questions."
I didn't argue.
Instead, I said:
"You're asking them now."
Julian looked at me.
Then smiled faintly.
"Yes."
That evening, Ethan stayed for dinner.
Not a formal banquet.
Just family.
Evelyn insisted on sitting at the head of the table.
Julian sat beside her.
Ethan sat across from me.
And for the first time in months, laughter filled the dining room.
Later, Ethan found Julian on the terrace.
"Can I ask you something?"
Julian nodded.
"Sure."
Ethan looked toward the harbor.
"Do you actually want me here?"
Julian turned.
"Yes."
"Not because of the trust?"
"No."
"Not because of what Carter did?"
Julian shook his head.
"Because you're family."
Ethan stared at him.
May you like
Then smiled.
For the first time, he looked like he believed it.
