Chapter 138 Come back

Chapter 138 Come back
"We’re finally back!" Alan called out the moment the car engine cut off in the driveway.
He hopped out immediately, rounded the side with quick steps, and pulled open the passenger door wide before the driver even had a chance to step down.
"Welcome back, newlyweds!" Alan said, forcing a theatrical, lighthearted tone.
Rose chuckled softly, stepping out while smoothing down her casual dress. "Thank you, Alan. You act as if you haven't seen us in a year."
"A week without you two at the office felt like an eternity," Alan replied, offering a broad smile.
By the front door, Madam Miska stood waiting alongside three staff members lined up neatly. The older woman’s face lit up as her eyes swept over Rose and Evan walking side by side.
"Welcome home, Sir, Ma'am," Madam Miska greeted them, her voice trembling slightly with emotion.
Rose closed the distance, stepping forward to wrap her arms tightly around Madam Miska. "I missed you so much, Madam."
"I missed you too, Ma'am. How was your trip?" Madam Miska patted Rose’s back gently as they pulled apart.
"It was wonderful," Rose answered, her eyes bright. "The place was beautiful, the air was fresh, and we truly got to rest."
"I am glad to hear that. The kitchen prepared a special dinner to celebrate your return," Madam Miska said, nodding to the staff to gather the luggage.
Evan walked up, taking his place right beside Rose. His shoulders were visibly relaxed, free of the usual tension in his posture or the sharp crease on his forehead. A subtle, easeful smile touched his lips.
"Thank you, Madam. We definitely need a proper dinner after the long drive," Evan said.
Sonya and Dylan stepped out from the second car. Dylan stretched his arms overhead, taking in the late afternoon air in the courtyard.
"It feels good to be back home," Dylan said.
"Your honeymoon was a complete success, right?" Sonya asked, winking at Rose.
"A total success, Sonya," Rose replied quickly, her cheeks flushing slightly.
Alan, leaning back against the car door, chimed in. "The only thing that isn't a success is my luck. From now on, I have to accept sharing Rose's attention with Evan."
Everyone laughed at Alan’s playful pouting.
"You really need to learn your place now, Alan," Dylan teased, patting his shoulder.
"I always know my place. I just don't always like it," Alan cracked with a light laugh, lifting the warm atmosphere in the courtyard even further.
That evening, the spacious dining room felt far more lively than usual. The overhead chandelier light reflected off the long wooden table filled with warm dishes.
The clinking of silverware blended with easy conversation. Dylan was busy sharing a funny story about how they nearly missed their boat, while Sonya occasionally cut in to correct the details. Alan kept taking extra helpings while tossing out joke after joke.
Amid the lively chatter around the table, Evan slid his hand beneath the tablecloth. His warm fingers found Rose’s, wrapping tightly around hers.
Rose turned her head slowly toward Evan. He leaned in a little closer, lowering his head until his breath brushed near her ear.
"This is the life I have always wanted," Evan whispered softly, meant for Rose’s ears alone.
Rose looked closely at Evan's face. A sudden wave of warmth filled her chest. She squeezed his hand under the table, then let her eyes wander around the room.
Taking in Alan’s laughter, Sonya’s smile, Dylan shaking his head, and Madam Miska watching them fondly from the corner of the room, Rose realized something. She was finally where she belonged. She had a family she truly loved, and who loved her back.
In the middle of the warm scene, Madam Miska approached the table carrying a small silver tray. Her face was no longer smiling as it had been earlier that afternoon. Instead, it was replaced by a hesitant look.
"Forgive me for interrupting your dinner, Mr. Evan," Madam Miska said quietly.
Evan released his grip on Rose’s hand and sat up straight. "What is it, Madam?"
Madam Miska set a thick, unmarked brown envelope next to Evan's plate. "A stranger dropped this off at the front door a few minutes ago. He said it was urgent."
The noise around the table instantly fell silent. Alan stopped chewing, while Dylan and Sonya exchanged looks.
Evan picked up the envelope, sliced open the seal with a fruit knife, and pulled out the sheet of paper inside. Rose watched the shift in Evan's expression. His jaw tightened instantly, his eyes locked onto the lines of text on the paper.
"Evan? What's wrong?" Rose asked, worried, touching his arm.
Evan did not answer right away. He crumpled the paper slightly, then turned to look at Rose with a cold, tense stare.
"Our vacation just officially ended, Rose."