The tall iron gates of the Kane residence slowly opened as Alessia's car approached.
The estate sat in the quiet hills of Silvercrest Heights, one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Kintara City. The Kane family home had stood there for decades—elegant, timeless, and surrounded by perfectly trimmed hedges and blooming white jasmine.
As Alessia stepped out of the car, the cool evening air brushed against her skin.
For a moment, she paused.
Coming home always felt different.
No matter how successful she became, this place still held the memories of who she had been before the world started watching her.
Before she could reach the door, it opened.
"Aunt Mary."
Alessia smiled the moment she saw her.
The house help had been part of the Kane household for more than twenty years. In many ways, she had helped raise both Alessia and Lucas.
Aunt Mary's warm eyes immediately scanned Alessia's face.
"My child."
She stepped forward and held Alessia's hands.
"You've become thinner again."
Alessia laughed softly.
"You say that every time."
"That is because it is always true."
Aunt Mary moved aside, letting her enter.
"Your parents are already in the dining room."
She lowered her voice slightly.
"And Lucas arrived early."
Alessia sighed quietly.
"That means he's already restless."
Aunt Mary smiled knowingly.
"Yes."
---
The dining room was warm and elegant without being overwhelming.
A long oak table stood beneath soft golden lights. The walls were decorated with framed photographs—family vacations, film premieres, and award ceremonies from Kane Entertainment Group.
Victor Kane sat at the head of the table, reviewing something on his tablet.
Even in his early sixties, he carried the calm authority of a man who had built one of the country's most powerful entertainment companies.
Helena Kane sat beside him, sipping tea.
Lucas Kane leaned back in his chair, scrolling lazily through his phone.
The moment Alessia walked in, Helena stood.
"Alessia."
She crossed the room quickly and wrapped her daughter in a warm hug.
"You should come home more often."
"I know."
Helena pulled back slightly, studying her face.
"Have you been sleeping well?"
"Mostly."
Helena gave her a skeptical look but said nothing.
Victor stood next.
"Good evening, Alessia."
He hugged her briefly.
"You look well."
"Thank you, Dad."
Lucas finally stood.
Instead of speaking immediately, he studied her face carefully.
"You okay?"
Alessia nodded.
"I'm fine."
Lucas didn't fully believe that.
But he hugged her anyway.
---
Dinner began soon after.
Aunt Mary and the kitchen staff placed several dishes across the table—roasted chicken, vegetables, fresh bread, and warm soup.
For a while, the conversation remained light.
Victor spoke about a film currently in production under Kane Entertainment Group.
Lucas complained about a difficult actor who kept missing rehearsals.
Helena turned to Alessia.
"How is Kane Luxe doing?"
"Busy," Alessia said.
"We finalized a European distribution deal this morning."
Victor looked impressed.
"That was faster than expected."
Lucas whistled.
"See? This is why I tell people my sister is terrifying in business meetings."
Alessia rolled her eyes.
"I'm not terrifying."
Lucas shrugged.
"You politely destroy people."
Helena laughed softly.
The atmosphere was warm.
Comfortable.
But eventually Victor placed his glass down.
His tone shifted slightly.
"Alessia."
She looked at him.
"Yes?"
"I heard something today."
Lucas looked up immediately.
"What?"
Victor continued calmly.
"You ended things with Ethan."
The room went quiet.
Helena gently touched Alessia's hand.
"Is that true?"
Alessia nodded.
"Yes."
Lucas leaned forward.
"What happened?"
Alessia hesitated for only a second.
"I went to Ethan's apartment yesterday."
Lucas frowned.
"And?"
Alessia's voice remained steady.
"And he wasn't alone."
Silence fell across the table.
Lucas blinked slowly.
"…You caught him cheating?"
Alessia nodded once.
"In his bedroom."
Lucas's chair scraped loudly as he stood.
"That idiot—"
"Lucas," Helena said gently.
But Lucas was already pacing.
"That guy dated my sister for two years and cheats on her in his own apartment?"
His voice sharpened with anger.
"I swear if I see him—"
Victor spoke calmly.
"Sit down."
Lucas stopped.
After a moment, he returned to his chair, though the anger still showed in his expression.
Helena squeezed Alessia's hand.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes," Alessia said quietly.
"I ended it immediately."
Victor nodded.
"Good."
Lucas leaned forward again.
"You blocked him, right?"
"Yes."
"Everywhere?"
"Yes."
Lucas leaned back, satisfied.
"Good."
At that moment, Aunt Mary returned with another dish.
She placed it calmly at the center of the table, pretending she hadn't heard anything.
Then she glanced at Lucas.
"You should eat more instead of shouting."
Lucas looked offended.
"Aunt Mary—"
"Angry men make poor decisions."
Lucas sighed dramatically.
"Everyone is against me tonight."
Alessia laughed softly.
The sound surprised even her.
Helena noticed immediately, relief appearing in her eyes.
Victor studied his daughter carefully.
"If Ethan contacts you again," he said calmly, "you tell me."
Lucas immediately added,
"Or tell me."
Alessia shook her head.
"I can handle Ethan."
Lucas nodded slowly.
"I know."
Then he said more quietly,
"But you shouldn't have to."
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then Aunt Mary clapped her hands lightly.
"That is enough serious conversation."
She pointed at Lucas.
"Eat."
Lucas groaned.
"You're very bossy tonight."
"I helped raise you," Aunt Mary replied.
"That gives me permanent authority."
Helena laughed.
Even Victor smiled faintly.
The tension slowly faded from the room.
For the first time since yesterday, Alessia felt something she hadn't realized she needed.
Support.
Family.
And the quiet reassurance that no matter what happened in the outside world—
She was not alone.