Chapter 101 Chapter 101
"It needs soul. And space. Tessa, Zaiel mentioned he wanted a place with a space for your dad to garden, right? And we need a place for the Sunday link-ups. You can’t host a family barbecue in a glass box; someone will definitely throw a football through a wall." She said,
The rest of the afternoon was a blur of driving, laughing, and absolutely roasting the "hideous" decor choices of the ultra-rich, which was almost comical because they were also the ultra-rich. We stopped for lunch at this tiny, overpriced bistro where they all ordered kale salads, and I ordered a double cheeseburger with extra bacon. I expected them to judge me, but instead, they just kept stealing my fries and dipping them in ranch while we looked at new listings.
"I think I’m going to like being a part of this family," I said, wiping a bit of ketchup from my lip.
"Honey, you don't have a choice," Michelle said, raising her green juice like it was a champagne toast.
"You’re stuck with us now. And once we find this house, we’re throwing a housewarming party that’s going to be so loud the neighbors will try to sue us." Andrew said.
"I’ll handle the legal," Daliah winked. "I know people who know people," Andrew said.
By the time the sun started to dip, we were pulling up to the final house of the day. This wasn't a "property"; it was an estate. It was tucked away behind a thick stone wall and massive wrought-iron gates, hidden by oak trees that looked like they’d been there for centuries.
It was a sprawling, classic manor with warm brick and ivy crawling up the sides. It didn't look like a museum; it looked like a place where memories lived.
"Oh my god," I whispered, before the car even stopped.
"Look at that yard," Michelle pointed out. The backyard was massive, a rolling green carpet that stretched back into a private wooded area. To the left, there was a sun-drenched patch of land with rich, dark soil, perfect for a greenhouse and rows of vegetables. I could already see my dad out there in his sun hat, finally having the space he deserved to grow whatever his heart desired.
"This is it," I said, my heart doing a little flip. "The backyard... we could have the whole family here. Every holiday. Every birthday."
"And look at the wing on the right," Shea said, pointing to the massive tall windows. "That’s the library, Tess. I checked the floor plan while we were driving. Two stories. Spiral staircase. The works."
"Check the library first," Andrew said, giving me a supportive shove as we stepped onto the gravel driveway.
"If it doesn't have a ladder, we're walking. But that garden space? That’s for Dad. He's going to have the best tomatoes in the zip code."
I looked at them, these four chaotic, loud, beautiful people who had been strangers to me just twenty-four hours ago. In the middle of all the house hunting, I realized Zaiel knew exactly what he was doing when he set this up. He didn't just want me to find a house. He wanted me to see that I wasn't going into this life alone. He wanted me to find my sisters.
"Let's go find my ladder," I said, grinning, my voice thick with emotion.
As we marched up the stone steps together, our heels clicking in a messy, happy rhythm, I knew one thing for sure: the house was going to be incredible, but the family gatherings we were about to have in that backyard? Those were going to be legendary.
Zaiel
When they trooped in at seven, i saw the glow on her face and knew she had a good day. Andrew looked at me and nodded, which meant it was all good. She hugged my mother and father, then her dad. She came over and sat beside me.
“Did you have a good day?”
“Yes, also I found the house, but don't ask the price,” she said with a whisper. I looked at Daliah.
“$4.5,” Daliah said, and she rolled her eyes.
“Done, it’ll be yours.” I said, and I watched her face; her eyes lit up.
“Thank you,” she said with a whisper.
“How did it go? Did you find out who did it?” She asked, and I nodded. "Later, during dinner”
“Okay,” she replied.
We were having dinner when Avani walked in.
“Hey, I’m back. When did you guys get here?” She asked, taking a seat and looking at everyone. I put my fork down and looked at her.
“Was it worth it?” I asked, looking at her.
“Was what worth what?” She asked, looking at me with that stupid smile on her face.
“I asked, was the one million you paid to have Tessa’s father’s information posted online worth it?”
I saw her face fall before she recovered. “I don't know what you’re talking about.” She said, and I heard the panic in her voice before she masked it.
“What have you done?” Our father asked, and she became flustered.
“Zaiel, please don't blame me for your problems.” She said, and I threw the file onto the table. Damon grabbed it and opened it.
“You are sick,” Damon said, passing the file around.
“Why? Why would you do this?” Mom asked quietly, and she scoffed.
“Why? She has no right to be here, no place in this family, because of her, I lost…” She started saying but stopped.
“Because of her, you were kicked out and disowned. Isn't that what you were about to say?” I countered.
“It was all a lie; she knew I was watching her, so she did it all under the radar. She made sure her shady dealings weren't seen, and guess what? She's pregnant again.”
“You… you bastard, you couldn't just marry Clarissa?” She yelled.
“Shut up, get your belongings, and get out.” Dad said.
“You, you're disowning me for this bitch?” She yelled, and it was so sudden, my mother slapped her.
“Disgraceful” Aunt Rosetta said.
“I’ve never seen such a disrespectful child,” Uncle Ross said.
“Get out!” Dad yelled. He turned and looked at Arthur.
“Aurthur i am truly sorry for this spectacle. We don’t think of you in that way. This is our entire family, and we accept Tessa.” He said.
“It’s okay. Youngsters have their own opinion. As long as my daughter is happy, that's all that matters to me.” Arthur replied.
Avani stormed out; Hannah sat there quietly, not saying a word. I looked at her.
“You, I suggest if you have anything to say, say it now because Tessa isn't going anywhere.”
“I didn't say anything,” she said quietly.
We continued eating, and they continued discussing the house. A short while later, Avani appeared with three suitcases.
“Stop,” our father said; she stopped and looked at us.
“Damon, Andrew, Kevin, Michelle?”
“Yes, Uncle Anthony?” they replied in unison.
“Empty her suitcases; make sure she doesn't take anything that belongs to the Rhyland family,” Dad said.