Chapter 144 Back to the USA
Chapter 144 Back to the USA
Violet,
It took around eight to nine hours to arrive in the USA. Somewhere between the steady hum of the jet and the muted conversations drifting in and out of consciousness, the tension that had clung to us earlier began to loosen its grip.
After my conversation with Erica, something shifted.
She didn’t hover around Knox the way she had before. There was no anxious watching, no subtle attempts to stay close to him at all times. Instead, she spent most of the remaining flight with Cyrus. She sat beside him on the floor at one point, helping him arrange his toys, laughing softly when he insisted on doing things his own way. The tightness in her shoulders was gone. She looked lighter. More present.
Watching that eased something inside me.
Knox eventually retreated to my personal room for a quick nap. He looked utterly exhausted, the kind of tiredness that came not just from lack of sleep but from carrying too much awareness all at once. I had offered to stay with him, but he shook his head gently, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
“I’ll be fine,” he said. “Just need a little quiet.”
He had been a bit distant since the conversation with his mother, but not withdrawn. There was a difference. Even from a distance, just knowing he was nearby grounded me in a way I couldn’t fully explain. His presence still felt new, fragile, like something I was afraid might disappear if I looked away for too long.
By the time we landed safely, I was certain my chauffeur would be waiting for us at the airport. Mirah had mentioned it earlier, and everything had been arranged meticulously, as always.
That was why the sight waiting for us in the VVIP lounge caught me completely off guard.
Anna.
She was standing near the glass wall, dressed casually but unmistakably herself, confidence radiating from the way she was standing there.
When she saw us, her eyes widened, and then she waved enthusiastically, abandoning all pretense of composure as she ran toward us.
Knox had Cyrus in his arms at the time, holding him securely against his chest.
“Look who they are,” Anna said brightly, slowing only slightly as she approached. “Knox. It’s been a while.”
Her grin widened as her attention shifted to Cyrus. “So, my dear prince, you’ve finally found your Papa?” She tilted her head playfully. “Come to Aunt!”
Knox froze.
He looked down at Cyrus, then back at Anna, confusion clearly written across his face. His brows furrowed as he carefully handed Cyrus over, as if unsure whether this was allowed or expected. I could see his muscles tightening
I stepped forward immediately. I didn't want him to get angry and confusion over this.
“This is Anna Riverwood,” I said, placing a hand lightly on Knox’s arm. “My older sister.”
Anna blinked. Then she looked at me. Then back at Knox with a dramatic sigh.
Her playful expression faltered, replaced by pure confusion. “What are you doing, Vio?”
“He doesn’t remember you,” I replied calmly. “Did you forget?”
Her expression shifted instantly, understanding flickering through her eyes. Then she scoffed lightly.
“Of course I remember,” she said, waving a dismissive hand. “I just wanted to tease him for a bit.”
She shot Knox an unapologetic grin. “You should’ve seen your face. You are the star of my sister's life, Knox. You better remember everything as soon as possible.” She smirked,
" Anna. Stop!" I shot her a death glare.
A soft chuckle escaped her, “Relax. If anything, it’s kind of refreshing not being recognized for once.”
As we continued exchanging words, Anna’s gaze drifted past us. Her eyebrows knitted, staring at whoever behaved us.
Her body went rigid.
She stared toward the back of the lounge where Erica stood beside Julia. Erica was standing with Julia. She looked weak.
Anna's expression changed drastically as she looked at Knox first and then at Erica. The resemblance was impossible to miss.
Anna’s eyes widened. She lifted a finger, pointing without even realizing it. “Who is that? I thought every Silverfangs are behind the bars now!”
I followed her gaze, then looked back at her.
“That,” I said quietly, “is Knox’s mother.”
Anna’s mouth opened slightly, then closed. She stared again, disbelief etched across her features.
“We’ll talk about it once we get home,” I added quickly before she could say anything inappropriate. “There’s a lot to explain.”
Anna nodded slowly, clearly restraining herself. “Yeah,” she said. “That sounds like something that needs a proper setting.”
She adjusted her grip on Cyrus, then turned toward the exit. “Come on. Cars are waiting.”
As we walked out of the lounge, Knox fell into step beside me. He was quiet again, his movements measured, shoulders slightly tense.
I glanced at him sideways.
“You alright?” I asked softly.
He nodded immediately. “Yeah. Just… a lot.”
His jaw tightened briefly, then relaxed. I could feel the nervous energy radiating off him, subtle but unmistakable.
“You did well,” I said.
He looked at me, surprised. “I did?”
“Yes,” I replied. “You didn’t shut down. You didn’t run. You left powers for something uncertain. You could have been stayed there with your power, honey and freedom. But you chose us..”
His lips curved into a faint smile. “I guess I’m learning what to prioritize now.”
We reached the car, and as Knox helped me inside, his hand lingered just a fraction longer than necessary at my waist. The contact sent a quiet shiver through me, familiar yet charged in a way that felt different now. More deliberate.
Once seated, the space between us felt smaller.
Knox adjusted his seatbelt, then glanced at me again. There was something in his eyes, uncertainty mixed with something warmer. His gaze lingered on my face as if committing it to memory all over again.
“You look… tired,” he said.
I smiled. “So do you.”
He huffed softly. “I think exhaustion suits me better than confusion.”
I laughed quietly. “You’re wrong.”
His brows lifted slightly. “Oh?”
“You look dangerous,” I muttered softly,. “Even when you’re confused.”
A slow grin spread across his face, unmistakably Knox. “Is that a compliment?”
I met his gaze. “You decide.”
The car began to move, the city unfolding outside the window. Knox leaned back, his arm brushing against mine. He didn’t move away.
For a moment, everything else faded. The noise. The complications. The uncertainty.
It was just us, sitting side by side, navigating a life that neither of us had expected but were somehow still choosing.
I just hoped that he wouldn't regret choosing us over power. The way he left everything, and trusted me without any doubt, made me feel loved once again. He didn't remember me but he knew who to choose.