The Valley.
On the final day of December, the valley carried a quiet, almost magical stillness.
Snow blanketed the landscape in an endless expanse of white, softening the world's sharp edges and wrapping the estate in a peaceful hush.
The lake beyond the towering glass windows shimmered under the pale winter sun, its surface reflecting light like polished silver.
Inside, however, warmth and life filled the Knight residence.
Ethan had finally arrived.
Evelyn stood near the living room window, her eyes following the scene unfolding before her with undisguised joy.
Martha, whose composure had remained impressively steady throughout the morning, now looked entirely transformed. The moment she saw Ethan stepping through the doorway, years of quiet restraint shattered into raw emotion.
Even though Ethan possessed no memories of his mother, something unspoken had passed between them. Recognition without recollection. Connection without history.
