Leon and Finn waited at the arrival gate. Finn fidgeted beside him, glancing at his watch.
"Attention please. Flight AX 452 from Lumeris, originally expected at 12:30 PM, is delayed. The new estimated arrival time is 1:10 PM. We regret the inconvenience and thank you for your patience." The announcement echoed at the Ravengrade airport.
"Ahhh..." Finn waved his hand.
Leon sighed, immediately aware that such delays were part of airport life. Yet today felt different. Laya was returning, and after a year apart, he couldn't shake the thrill of seeing her again. He turned his thoughts inward, recalling the moments they'd shared—the laughter, the late-night talks, how she always managed to keep them guessing while fiercely protecting her own space. It was a year since they'd last met, during her semester break, and his mind drifted to that time spent together.
Beside him, he noticed Finn—her fiancé—a little anxious but very much ready to see her. He held a beautiful bouquet of tulips, Laya's favorite, and Leon couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Finn. They both missed her dearly, and the bond they shared in that yearning was unique. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to announce the arrival of Flight AX 452 from Lumeris. The local time is 1:15 PM."
As the crowd began to swell with travelers reuniting, Leon's heart raced. A wave of movement caught his eye, and there she was—Laya. "Laya!" he called, waving enthusiastically. Her face lit up like a sunrise as she spotted them, and before he knew it, she had dropped her luggage and was barreling toward him. The embrace was warm and filled with familiarity. It felt like coming home.
"Hey!" Finn managed, playful as ever, tapping her shoulder with his bouquet. "Saw your brother and forgot me... this lonely lover..."
Leon chuckled, watching as Laya turned, her laughter mingling with joy as she accepted the flowers and placed a soft kiss on Finn's cheek. This moment of affection made Leon's heart swell. They were all together again, and it felt right. They stepped out of the airport and walked towards the waiting car, drove straight to the Deskmore mansion.
The mansion was radiant, filled with warmth and love as it awaited her arrival. Leon stood by, marveling at the sight of Luca Deskmore and Jina Volt at the entrance, their faces beaming with pride and joy. The moment they embraced their precious daughter, Leon could see tears of happiness glistening in their eyes. He also joined them. It was a beautiful reminder of how family can bring out the softest emotions, no matter how tough the exterior.
Luca their father was a titan in the business world of Ravengrade, and Jina their mother, a celebrated actress of her time, both known for their steely determination. Yet here they were, shedding tears of joy, completely vulnerable and filled with love for their child. The atmosphere was electric with excitement as we gathered for lunch, sharing stories and laughter, the kind that drew everyone closer together.
After a delightful meal and a quick refresh, James whisked them away to the Deskmore Hotel for an overnight celebration. A small overnight party was arranged to celebrate her arrival. It was just four of them including James. It was intimate and special, and Leon couldn't shake the feeling that something magical was about to happen.