Ryan and Mr. Jace were utterly stunned, their faces frozen in shock. Mr. Jace was the first to react, his composure cracking slightly. "What did you say?" he asked, his voice laced with a mix of surprise and trepidation.
Melvin repeated what he had said earlier, the words pouring out in a rush. Mr. Jace couldn't believe what he was hearing—Konvensky, his youngest son, was actually coming back home. Even Ryan found it hard to process the information; his younger brother, who had been away for twelve long years, was finally returning.
Mr. Jace looked at Melvin, who had brought the news, and asked, "How on earth did you know he's coming back?"
Melvin shrugged nonchalantly, his shoulders rising and falling in a gentle motion. "He told Freeda, and I overheard Mom and her talking about it," he answered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Mr. Jace sighed deeply, his chest heaving with a mix of emotions. He knew Konvensky would likely be angry at him for sending him away at such a young age, but he had had no choice. Konvensky was simply too stubborn; they had to change schools almost every term because he kept getting expelled for his rebellious behavior.
"Dad," Ryan called out, his voice soft and reassuring, "you don't have to feel bad for sending him away. It was for his own good. He's grown now; I'm sure he'll understand why you did that."
Mr. Jace took a deep breath before speaking, his voice laced with a hint of guilt and uncertainty. "I guess he'll understand when he comes. Go tell the general commander of the military to assign twenty soldiers at the airport to ensure his safety," he instructed.
"And make sure to clear the scene before he lands to avoid reporters and paparazzi," Ryan added, his voice firm and authoritative.
Melvin's mouth twitched at the princely treatment, but he knew this level of security was necessary for Konvensky, given he was a globally famous celebrity. He stood up, said goodbye, and went to execute the task assigned to him with a sense of duty and loyalty.
Airport
The flight from Singapore to New York had just landed, and everyone was disembarking in a flurry of activity. A young man in his twenties stepped out, his presence unignorable. He wore black baggy pants and a black hoodie, effectively concealing his identity while radiating an aura of cold detachment. His ocean-blue eyes swept over the waiting crowd, flickering momentarily when he saw the excessive number of soldiers in the waiting area.
He knew immediately this must be his father's or brothers' work, and a hint of annoyance crossed his face. He scoffed, turning in the opposite direction and eating up the distance with his long strides. A man was already waiting for him with a motorcycle, looking relieved to see him. Konvensky threw his luggage at the man, took the bike keys, and said, "Take it to those soldiers standing there. Tell them I've gotten home already."
He drove off into the city, leaving the man shivering in his wake, watching him disappear without any security. The man nervously relayed the message as he had been asked, filled with a sense of trepidation.
Later
Michelle was wearing jogger pants and a dark hoodie, walking by the side of a quiet road, lost in thought. She just wanted a little fresh air and some time alone from all the chaos at home. Walking slowly, her figure looked desolate as the night wind blew gently through her hair.
Unbeknownst to her, a powerful motorcycle was approaching from behind, its engine purring softly. The sudden sound of a piercing horn made her turn purely out of instinct, but the bike just drove past without stopping, its rider a blur of black. Michelle stumbled back, startled and annoyed.
"Annoying jerk," Michelle muttered, panting slightly as she tried to calm her racing heart.
Jace's Mansion
The large dining table was being set, the aroma of gourmet food wafting deliciously through the air. The family was sitting down to eat when they heard the distinctive sound of a motorcycle engine roaring outside.
"Are you expecting anyone?" Mr. Jace asked, staring at Melvin, who was the only one likely to bring someone to the house at this time.
"I'm not expecting anyone," Melvin said, his voice firm and reassuring.
The curious gaze of everyone turned to the door, waiting for the visitor to come in. The door opened, revealing a black sneaker first. Time seemed to freeze as everyone stood still, staring at the person who had just entered, a mixture of shock and wonder on their faces.
Konvensky's cold gaze swept over everyone's faces, the room falling silent as they waited for his reaction. Mrs. Jace immediately rushed forward and pounded on him, hugging him tightly as she cried, her body shaking with sobs of relief. Konvensky frowned slightly but let her hug him to her satisfaction, his expression softening just a fraction.
Pulling away from the embrace, Mrs. Jace cupped his face with both hands, asking a flurry of maternal questions: "How have you been? Have you been eating well? Have you missed me?" Konvensky frowned again, thinking internally that she hadn't changed despite his long absence.
"I'm fine," he said in a cold voice, his tone detached.
"Sky," Freeda called, pulling him for a hug and planting a quick kiss on his cheek.
Konvensky groaned, pushing her away slightly. "Stop calling me Sky. I'm not a kid, and stop kissing me, too."
Freeda scoffed, turning to her father. "Dad, I think he's even more cold-hearted now." She went back to her seat, her expression a mix of amusement and concern.
Melvin patted her head gently as he turned his attention back to Konvensky. "Konvensky, I thought you said you were coming tomorrow?" he asked, his voice gentle.
Konvensky simply strolled past him, taking his seat at the dining table, then turned to look at Melvin. "You're still so noisy," he muttered.