"It's been over five years," Josephine said, "He might've forgotten me by now."
"Let's hope so," Laura replied, "But we should be ready for the worst."
After chatting for a bit, the conversation turned to Claudia.
Even though Liam had mentioned it before, Josephine needed to hear it again to feel at ease. "Claudia, what does your fiancé do? How does he treat you?"
Claudia's eyes softened. "He treats me really well. He's in sales and is now a department manager."
Claudia used to be wealthy, but her family went bankrupt, and her parents moved back to their hometown.
Before, she would've looked for someone with a similar background to support the family business. But now, she just wanted someone she genuinely liked.
Josephine knew Claudia didn't care about family background. As long as he had good character and treated her well, she was happy.
The four of them hadn't seen each other in ages, and once they started talking, they couldn't stop, even forgetting to eat.
It was almost eleven when they finally left the restaurant.
Liam drove Josephine back to the Kalmien family.
In the past five years, Josephine had a son. What she didn't know was that she also had a sister now.
Before leaving, Josephine had told her parents she wouldn't be back for years.
Ever since her divorce from Stuart, Todd and Esther had been upset with her.
Seeing her leave the family's business made them even angrier.
Esther was hit by a car, and the driver fled. Luckily, a girl saved her and took her to the hospital in time.
The girl was gentle and caring, so Esther and Todd decided to adopt her as their goddaughter.
In these five years, Emily Thompson had replaced Josephine and become Todd and Esther's beloved daughter.
Liam hadn't told Josephine about this before.
Now that she was back, Liam thought she should be prepared.
"Your parents are grateful to her. She saved your mom, and they've gotten along well these five years," Liam explained, "Don't overthink it."
Josephine was stunned for a moment, then shook her head. "I don't have a deep relationship with them. Besides, I was wrong for not keeping in touch these five years."
"Ridiculous," Liam scoffed. "They didn't treat you like their child when you were young, but now they suddenly have all this parental responsibility and love."
"I'm fine," Josephine reassured him, knowing he was just worried. "I have you guys and my son. I'm already very content."
After seeing Liam off, Josephine stood in front of her family's villa with a small travel bag.
According to Liam, the Kalmien family's business hadn't suffered after she left; it had actually grown.
She smiled and placed her finger on the scanner.
A beep sounded, and she paused, then tried again.
The door didn't unlock; instead, it started beeping.
She couldn't believed her fingerprint couldn't unlock her own house.
Just as Josephine was about to knock, the door opened from the inside. A middle-aged woman in her forties or fifties, wearing an apron, asked, "Who are you looking for?"
She wasn't the previous housekeeper.
Josephine introduced herself. "I'm the daughter of this family."
"You must be mistaken," the housekeeper said, "Whose daughter are you?"
"Is Todd here?" Josephine asked, using her dad's name. "What about Esther?"
The housekeeper looked surprised. "Are you a relative?"
She called inside, "Miss, someone is here."
A sweet voice responded, "Who is it?" Josephine stepped in and saw a girl in loungewear with long hair and delicate features.
"Who are you?" Emily walked over and waved the housekeeper away. "I don't know you."
The house layout was the same, but small details had changed. Josephine opened the shoe cabinet and saw her old shoes were gone. It felt strange. She'd been away for five years, but this was still supposed to be her home.
She thought about leaving and staying at a hotel.
Esther's voice called out, "Emily, who's there? Don't stand at the door; you'll catch a cold."
Josephine smiled. It was her mom, Esther.
Growing up, she'd never heard her mom speak to her with such concern. The girl must be their adopted daughter.
Josephine wanted to leave, but it was too late.
Esther came downstairs and saw her. She was stunned, then angry. "So you remember to come back?"
Josephine put down her things and said, "Mom."
Emily was momentarily shocked, then lowered her eyes, hiding her thoughts.
Esther had always wanted a son and never liked Josephine. Josephine had married Stuart but didn't help the family and even got divorced. Now, after five years, she was back, looking disheveled.
Esther, with no motherly love, coldly said, "Since you're back, come in. Your dad is out."
Josephine put on her dad's slippers.
Esther sat on the sofa and waved. "Emily, come here."
Emily obediently sat beside her.
Esther said, "This is your sister, Emily. She's been taking care of me and your dad these five years while you were away."
Josephine said indifferently, "When did I get a big sister?"
Esther got angry. "I was in a car accident five years ago, and Emily saved me. If it weren't for her, I'd be dead! Where were you? No contact for five years, no help with the family's business. What were you doing?"
Josephine said, "Mom, I'm tired. I'll go to my room to rest."
Esther said irritably, "I gave your room to Emily. You can sleep in the guest room."
Emily spoke up, "I'm in her room? That's not right. I'll pack up and give it back."
Esther stopped her. "It's fine. You saved me and took care of us these five years. You're like my daughter! You've done her duties, so it's okay for you to stay in her room."
Josephine hadn't planned to stay long. In the past five years, after having her child, she hadn't stayed in that small village all the time. She had her plans.
Now that she was back, she just wanted to see how they were doing.
Seeing Esther as strong-willed and difficult as ever, Josephine had nothing to worry about.
"Since there's no room for me at home, I won't stay," Josephine said, standing up. "I'll stay elsewhere."