Chapter 79
Amelia
The next morning dawned clear and crisp, the Boston skyline etched against a perfect blue sky. The private airfield was quiet as our cars pulled up to the sleek jet bearing the Astor company logo.
"This feels like overkill," I whispered to Olivia as attendants began loading our luggage.
"Honey, you're an Astor now," she replied with a smile. "Get used to it."
The goodbyes were harder than I'd expected. I hugged each family member tightly, trying to memorize the feeling of belonging they'd given me.
"Call us when you land," Eleanor insisted, straightening my collar with motherly concern.
"I will," I promised.
"And remember," she added, lowering her voice, "if you need anything—anything at all—we're just a phone call away. Don't let that stubborn pride of yours get in the way."
I smiled, recognizing the gentle rebuke. "I'm learning to accept help, I promise."
Daniel clasped my shoulders. "The apartment is all set up. Security is in place, but they'll be discreet. You won't even notice them."
I nodded, grateful for his protection but hoping it wouldn't be necessary in New York.
"Thank you," I said, genuinely moved. "For everything."
He shook his head. "Family takes care of family, Amelia. That's all this is."
Sophie was trying so hard to be brave, but I could see the tears she was fighting back. I pulled her close. "I'll miss you, little sister," I whispered.
"I'll miss you too," she replied, voice thick with emotion.
Benjamin approached and embraced me. "New York is where you belong. Your career, your life—it's all there. We're happy for you."
His words brought fresh tears to my eyes. He understood, perhaps better than anyone, the pull of different worlds.
With a final wave, I ushered the twins up the steps of the plane, looking back one last time at the family I'd found so unexpectedly. The family that had welcomed me, supported me, and loved my children as their own.
On the jet, Lucas immediately claimed a window seat, pressing his face against the glass in fascination. "Mommy, look at the clouds! Why don't they fall down?"
I smiled, settling Ella on my lap. Unlike her brother, she seemed content to observe the cabin quietly, her intelligent eyes taking in every detail.
"Are we going home?" Ella asked suddenly, her small voice serious.
The question gave me pause. "We're going to our new home in New York," I explained carefully.
"But what about our home we lived in before?" she persisted.
"That's still our home too, sweetheart," I said, smoothing her dark curls. "We can have more than one home."
She considered this with the gravity only a three-year-old could muster. "Like how we have more than one family?"
My heart clenched. "Exactly like that."
As the plane took off, I stroked their soft hair, marveling at these two perfect beings who had changed my life completely. They had no idea of their complicated heritage, the powerful families whose blood ran in their veins. To them, the world was still simple and full of wonder.
"New York, here we come," I murmured, looking out at the clouds Lucas found so fascinating.
I closed my eyes, feeling the weight of the past and the pull of the future. In my mind, I saw both clearly: the new family I'd found in Boston and the unfinished business waiting in New York. I was straddling two worlds, two lives, and somehow needed to make them whole.
The flight passed quickly, the children too excited to nap. By the time we began our descent into New York, Lucas had exhausted the flight attendant with questions about how planes fly, while Ella had fallen asleep against my shoulder.
As promised, a sleek black car was waiting when we disembarked. What surprised me, however, was our destination. Instead of heading toward the Upper East Side, where I expected Daniel had purchased an apartment, we drove to a familiar neighborhood—the riverside area where I had lived before.
"Have we arrived at the new house?" Lucas asked.
"Yes, sweetheart. We’re here," I answered, gently patting his head.
The building manager greeted us warmly in the lobby. "You're the distinguished guest Mr. Astor arranged for… Ah, Dr. Thompson, it's really you! Welcome back!"
"Thank you," I said, still puzzled. "I think there might be some confusion about—"
"Not at all," he interrupted cheerfully. "Mr. Astor arranged everything. You have the penthouse on the thirtieth floor, and Ms. Bennett has the one directly below on twenty-nine. The private elevator access has been programmed for both of you."
I exchanged a surprised look with Olivia. Daniel had bought us neighboring penthouses in the same building we'd left three years ago. The thoughtfulness of the gesture nearly undid me—close to the hospital for my work, convenient for Olivia's acting career, and in a neighborhood we already knew and loved.
Upstairs, the apartment was stunning—spacious and beautifully furnished, with spectacular views of the Hudson River. Lucas ran from room to room, exploring excitedly, while Ella clung to my hand, taking everything in with her typical quiet assessment.
"Their bedroom is amazing," Olivia called from down the hall. "Come see!"
I followed her voice to find a magical space divided into two distinct areas—a science-themed section for Lucas with constellations painted on the ceiling, and an arts corner for Ella with a small easel and child-sized drawing table. Between them was a reading nook filled with books.
My phone buzzed with a text from Daniel: [Is everything to your liking?]
I typed back a heartfelt thank you, feeling overwhelmed by his generosity and attention to detail.
Later that night, after tucking the exhausted twins into their new beds, I stood by the bed watching their peaceful sleeping faces in the soft glow of the nightlight. Tears slid down my cheeks as the full weight of being loved by family washed over me. For so long, I'd yearned for this feeling—to be protected, cherished, and supported unconditionally.
In the darkness, I whispered to their sleeping forms, "I will make sure you always have this."
But then, a message popped up: [You're back?]