✨ CHAPTER 1: The House That Remembered Her
The Watson house always felt too quiet at night.
Not the peaceful kind—
the kind that remembered everything.
Noah Watson stood near the window, her fingers lightly resting on the cold glass. Outside, the city moved on like nothing had ever happened. Cars passed. Lights flickered. People laughed somewhere far away.
Inside the house, memories stayed.
She had grown up here—between Liam Watson's loud laughter, Sofia Watson's constant questions, and her parents' silent sacrifices. Yet, lately, the walls felt heavier, like they knew something she didn't.
"Noah," Sofia called softly from the hallway. "You're zoning out again."
Noah turned, offering a faint smile.
"I'm fine."
It was her favorite lie.
Liam Watson looked up from the couch, eyes sharp in the way only an older brother's could be.
"You say that too easily."
Before Noah could reply, the doorbell rang.
Three short rings.
The sound felt… unfamiliar.
Important.
Their mother opened the door, and the air shifted.
"Fernandes family," she said, surprised but polite.
Noah froze.
That surname.
Standing at the door was Luca Fernandes—tall, calm, eyes unreadable. Beside him stood Adrien Fernandes, softer smile, restless energy, and behind them, Sabrina Fernandes, observing everything quietly.
Luca's gaze met Noah's for a split second.
No smile.
No greeting.
Just recognition—as if he already knew her.
And somehow…
that scared her more than strangers ever could.
The house that remembered her had just welcomed the past—and the future—at the same time.
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